Nexus between innovation and commercialization of University-Originated Innovations in Uganda: A case of the faculty of engineering at Kyambogo University

Abstract

Universities worldwide face the challenge of transforming research outputs into market-ready innovations, a gap particularly evident in developing economies where institutional and financial constraints are pronounced. In Uganda, despite significant innovations emerging from higher education institutions, the transition from ideation to commercialization remains a persistent barrier to economic growth and societal impact. This study investigated the nexus between innovation creation and the commercialization of university-originated innovations at Kyambogo University’s Faculty of Engineering in Uganda. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of funding mechanisms, examine the role of entrepreneurial education, evaluate industry–academia collaboration, and analyze the efficacy of university initiatives in fostering an innovation-friendly environment. A mixed-methods approach was adopted under a pragmatic paradigm, involving 434 survey respondents and 6 key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v26, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed that government funding was insufficient, bureaucratic, and misaligned with commercialization needs. Entrepreneurial education provided theoretical knowledge but lacked practical application, mentorship, and market exposure. Industry–academia collaboration existed but was fragmented, with limited direct commercialization outcomes. University initiatives such as innovation hubs and networking events were present but under-resourced and inconsistently implemented. A moderate positive correlation was found between funding mechanisms (r = 0.415), entrepreneurial education (r = 0.446), industry–academia collaboration (r = 0.449), and university initiatives (r = 0.543) with commercialization outcomes. The study concludes that while innovation is abundant, commercialization is hindered by systemic gaps in funding, education, collaboration, and institutional support. Recommendations include reforming funding policies, embedding experiential learning in curricula, formalizing industry partnerships, and strengthening innovation infrastructure. The study contributes to Open Innovation Theory by highlighting the critical role of institutional ecosystem readiness in translating knowledge into market-ready innovations.