Research outcomes commercialisation key to national growth—Science Academy
Research outcomes commercialisation key to national growth—Science Academy
The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) says commercialisation of research outcomes is key to the nation’s industrialisation and economic growth.
Dr Oladoyin Odubanjo, Executive Secretary of NAS, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Experts say that commercialisation of research outcomes in Nigeria is as low as less than 2 per cent.
Odubanjo said the issues impeding successful commercialisation of Research and Development (R&D) would take the centre stage during the association’s upcoming annual scientific conference scheduled for January.
Odubanjo described the NAS conference as Nigeria’s foremost scientific gathering, noting that it provided a rare platform for the presentation of primary research conducted within the country.
“The conference is where you see the actual researches that people are carrying out, beyond interpretation, because the academy also deals a lot with research interpretation,” he said.
He said the conference would have its theme as: “From Research to Marketplace.
“It will seek to address address the long-standing challenge of translating research findings into viable products, services and policies that could drive economic growth,” he told NAN.
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According to Odubanjo, the theme reflects the need for research to move beyond academic journals and make tangible impact on society and the economy.
“We are looking at research that can change the economy, research that is viable and research that can truly make an impact,” he said.
He told NAN that interest in the conference had gained momentum with no fewer than 600 participants already registered and numerous abstracts submitted from across the country.
He added that industry players may not only find relevant research projects at the conference but could also identify competent researchers to collaborate with.
Odubanjo said the event would also benefit young researchers who would be given the opportunity to present their work and interact with experienced scientists.
