Turning Research into Real Impact: UDSM Leads Drive to Strengthen Innovation, Commercialisation and Research Governance
By Donald Boneka, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has spearheaded high-level discussions on strengthening research governance, innovation ecosystems and the commercialisation of research outputs, bringing together experts from academia and government to chart a more coordinated approach to advancing Tanzania's knowledge-based economy.
The three-day workshop, held at the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM) Hall in Bagamoyo, convened researchers, innovation experts, policymakers and institutional leaders from UDSM, the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).
Under the theme "Institutional Policies, Guidelines and Governance Frameworks," participants explored how stronger institutional systems can enhance research quality, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, protect intellectual property, and accelerate the translation of research into products, technologies and services that address national development priorities.
Opening the workshop on behalf of UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Prof. Nelson Boniface, the Director of Public Services Prof. Neema Mori, said higher learning institutions have a responsibility to ensure that research extends beyond academic publications to generate practical solutions for society.
"Universities must continue strengthening the policies and governance systems that support research excellence and innovation. Our responsibility is not only to generate knowledge but also to ensure that research findings are transformed into technologies, products and services that improve lives, support industry and contribute to national development”, Prof. Mori said.
She noted that robust governance frameworks and strategic partnerships are essential for sustaining research quality and nurturing innovation, adding that Technology and Innovation Centres have become increasingly important in supporting researchers and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into market-ready solutions.
"Technology and Innovation Centres provide the environment where ideas are nurtured, innovations are refined and research outcomes are commercialised. Strengthening these centres will be critical in building a vibrant innovation ecosystem," she added.
Meanwhile, UDSM Director of Research and Publication, Dr. Mathew Senga, said the workshop was designed to help institutions learn from one another while identifying practical ways to strengthen research management systems.
"Universities and research institutions face many common opportunities and challenges. By sharing our institutional experiences, policies and governance frameworks, we can strengthen our systems, improve institutional effectiveness and build a more coordinated approach to managing research, innovation and entrepreneurship”, Dr. Senga said.
He explained that the exchange of experiences would also help institutions improve accountability, strengthen research integrity and create environments that encourage innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Harmonised governance systems in strengthening Tanzania's STI
Representing COSTECH, Director General Dr. Amos Nungu underscored the importance of harmonised governance systems in strengthening Tanzania's science, technology and innovation (STI) landscape.
"Strong partnerships among research institutions are fundamental to building an innovation-driven economy. When institutions align their policies and governance frameworks, they improve research quality, encourage innovation and create greater opportunities for research to contribute to Tanzania's socio-economic development”, Dr. Nungu said.
He called for continued collaboration among universities, research institutions and government agencies to strengthen Technology and Innovation Centres, expand technology transfer and support the commercialisation of research outputs.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research of MUHAS, Ms. Nachene Mgimwa, Head of the Office of Sponsored Research Projects, said institutional collaboration remains vital in improving research management and addressing complex development challenges.
"Knowledge sharing enables institutions to strengthen their research systems, improve governance and build the capacity needed to produce impactful research. Collaboration also creates opportunities for multidisciplinary research that responds more effectively to society's needs”, she said.
Throughout the workshop, participants examined institutional policies and governance frameworks guiding research, innovation and entrepreneurship at UDSM and MUHAS, while comparing best practices in research administration, ethical oversight, research integrity, intellectual property management and innovation support.
A plenary session led by UDSM Innovation Coordinator Dr. Moses Ismail, representing the Director of the Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (DIEN), Prof. Lilian Kaale, encouraged participants to reflect on common institutional challenges and identify opportunities for harmonising policies that promote technology transfer and research commercialisation.
Participants also explored the growing role of digital technologies in research management. Presenting COSTECH's national policy and regulatory frameworks, Eng. Faraji Katabalo highlighted how digital systems are improving research administration, monitoring, collaboration and evidence-based decision-making while strengthening the country's science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
He further emphasised that integrating strong institutional policies with digital transformation and well-functioning Technology and Innovation Centres will enhance innovation, support start-ups, facilitate commercialisation and strengthen partnerships between academia and industry.
In this workshop, a shared commitment by UDSM, MUHAS and COSTECH was thus to deepen collaboration, harmonise institutional policies and strengthen governance systems that promote research excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship.
For UDSM, the workshop reaffirmed the University's leadership in advancing research that goes beyond academic discovery to deliver practical solutions, foster innovation and contribute meaningfully to Tanzania's socio-economic transformation.