Factors in the Commercialization of Scientific Research in Zimbabwean Universities

Abstract

Low university patents and the lack of spin-out companies resulting from university research indicate Zimbabwe's low level of academic entrepreneurship. The purpose of this article is to determine the factors that affect academic entrepreneurship and understanding how these elements affect academic entrepreneurship in Zimbabwean university research commercialization. The study used a qualitative methodology, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve scientists who were purposively sampled and employed by Zimbabwean universities. The results indicate a deficiency in business acumen, motivation to participate, collaborative culture, and supporting structures. These were determined to be the main obstacles preventing research from being commercialized. However, the industry is not prepared to split the profits from commercialized research output, and disparities in how universities and industry view innovation also impede research commercialization. For the successful and efficient commercialization of research, the study suggests that innovation hubs have a clear administrative structure. Researchers should be encouraged to participate in the research commercialization process by implementing a recognition award system. Innovation hubs ought to hire specialists in intellectual property matters and coordinators for university-industry cooperation on research projects.