The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has underscored the urgent need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to drive Ghana’s long-term economic transformation.
Speaking at the opening of the 10th International Conference on Business Management and Entrepreneurial Development (ICBMED) held from April 29 to 30 at UPSA, Professor Mawutor emphasised that the future of Ghana’s economy depends on strategic partnerships that bridge the gap between research and real-world business solutions.
“This conference must go beyond academic discourse,” the VC said. “The research shared here should be translated into tangible innovations that solve local challenges, enhance business sustainability, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Held under the theme “A Decade of Progress: Bridging Academia and Industry for Business Resilience in an Emerging Economy”, the conference brought together academics, industry players, policy experts, and government officials to mark ten years of impactful research dialogue.
Professor Mawutor called for the digital transformation of business practices through knowledge transfer and research-led solutions.
“We must leverage technology to bridge the digital divide while enhancing academia-industry research collaborations that address indigenous Ghanaian issues,” he stressed.
He also urged institutions to align their academic offerings with industry needs, noting that Ghana can achieve economic resilience when universities and businesses work together to develop homegrown solutions.
Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu, in a speech read on his behalf, praised UPSA’s consistent role in promoting industry-focused education.
He urged participants to embrace the transformative power of collaboration between industry and academia while reechoing the call to leverage academic research that addresses industry needs.
President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Mr. Humphrey Kwesi Ayim-Darke, described academia-industry collaboration as a strategic necessity for Ghana’s future competitiveness.
He stressed that bridging the gap between academia and industry is not merely “a good thing to do” but a strategic imperative.
“Business owners must begin to see themselves as partners in shaping policy and curriculum,” Mr Ayim-Darke said. “Strengthening these partnerships requires intentional alignment between academic output and industry expectations.”
Director of the UPSA Research and Consultancy Centre, Professor Abigail Opoku Mensah, highlighted the achievements of ICBMED over the past decade, noting its contribution to policy reforms, cross-border research collaboration, and early-career researcher development.
“UPSA will continue to lead in fostering partnerships that ensure academic research which is not only relevant but responsive to the needs of Ghana’s industries and its people,” Prof Opoku-Mensah said.
