Innovation Ecosystem drivers and challenges at higher education institutions discussed at Egerton University Research Division in collaboration with UON

A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held at the Egerton University Research Centre for HEIGHTS Innovation Ecosystem Project in Kenya, and it was a remarkable success.

 

 The project has been funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is led by Prof. John Muthama and Dr. Judith Mbau, both from the University of Nairobi. The FGD was hosted by the Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization, Prof. Kimurto Paul, from the Faculty of Agriculture.

During the discussion, the Egerton University Director of Research, Prof. Nancy Mungai, commended the HEIGHTS project and thanked the researchers for selecting Egerton as one of the participating Higher Education Institutions. She further expressed her enthusiasm for the project's potential to drive innovation and create a sustainable impact in Kenya and beyond.

The HEIGHTS project aims to establish an innovation ecosystem that will promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and the adoption of new technologies in the agricultural sector. It will bring together key stakeholders, such as higher education institutions, researchers, investors, and policymakers, to support the development and commercialization of agricultural technologies.

The FGD provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their perspectives and insights on the project's implementation and potential impact. Participants discussed key issues, such as the role of higher education institutions in promoting innovation, the need for supportive policies and regulations, and the importance of partnerships and collaborations.

Overall, the FGD was a significant step towards the successful implementation of the HEIGHTS project. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving innovation and creating sustainable impact in the agricultural sector. 

The success of this project will not only benefit Kenya but also serve as a model for other countries seeking to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture.