Enhancing UNAM’s Innovation Landscape
The University of Namibia (UNAM) recently celebrated a significant milestone in its journey towards enhancing innovation and technology transfer capabilities.
Mr Leonard Imene, Coordinator for Innovation and Business Development at UNAM, successfully completed an intensive on-the-job training programme, organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), and the Japan Patent Office. This programme, held at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) late last year, aimed to equip professionals from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states with advanced skills in technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) management. From Namibia, Mr Imene (UNAM) and Ms Nadia Jansen from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) were selected for the training.
Reflecting on the training, Mr Imene emphasised its significance: “This training was not just about enhancing personal skills but about bringing back a wealth of knowledge and strategies to UNAM, ensuring our University remains at the forefront of innovation and technology transfer in Namibia.”
During the eight-week programme, Mr Imene engaged in various activities, including campus tours focusing on research centres at UWC, participation in Technology Transfer Office (TTO) quarterly meetings, and discussions on IP management and commercialisation strategies.
Bridging the gap: University research & the commercial sector
A significant part of the training involved understanding the role of TTOs in bridging the gap between University research and innovation communities and the commercial sector.
“Learning about UWC’s approach to managing IP disclosure, protecting potential socio-economic value, and facilitating IP commercialisation was enlightening. It provided a template that we at UNAM could adapt and implement within our own context,” Mr Imene stated.
UNAM’s Centre for Innovation and Development, responsible for managing the TTO at the University, views Mr Imene’s participation as crucial for implementing the required TTO skill sets. The training sessions covered comprehensive aspects of IP policy, TTO processes, and stakeholder engagement, resonating with UNAM’s approach towards innovation and technology transfer.
One of the key takeaways for Mr Imene was the importance of collaboration. “UWC’s collaboration with Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and local IP law firms underscores the significance of strategic partnerships in strengthening the national TTO funnel,” he said.
The training also highlighted the need for continuous capacity building and the potential for international collaboration, particularly in areas like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), where UWC’s Innovation Hub offers promising opportunities for partnerships.
The training exposure represents a significant step forward for UNAM in its efforts to bolster its innovation and technology transfer capabilities. Mr Imene’s insights and the lessons learned will undoubtedly contribute to the University’s strategic goals in research, innovation, and development, nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within the UNAM community and beyond.
