The University for Development Studies (UDS) Intellectual Property Office, with the support of the West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA), successfully organized a one-day workshop on the theme, “Understanding Intellectual Property as a Strategy for University and Industry Collaborations,” on the 23rd of October 2024. The workshop, which was held at the WACWISA Auditorium on the Nyankpala Campus, was facilitated by Mr. Ibrahim Nayi, the Zonal Administrator of the Copyright office at the Office of the Anthony General of Ghana, and attracted Deans and Directors from several faculties and directorates in the University, aiming to deepen their understanding of intellectual property (IP) and its potential to foster productive partnerships between the UDS and industry.

Opening the event, the Director of WACWISA, Prof. Felix Kofi Abagale, highlighted the critical role of intellectual property in driving innovation and economic growth. He stressed the value of collaboration between UDS and industry in developing and leveraging IP assets to enhance research commercialization and create real-world solutions. "Intellectual property is the bridge between research and real-world impact," he noted, urging participants to embrace IP as a tool for driving competitive advantage and strengthening partnerships across sectors.

The workshop provided valuable insights into how universities can better protect their intellectual property and engage in meaningful collaborations with industry partners to commercialize research outputs. Participants also discussed the importance of IP policies and strategies that benefit both academic institutions and the broader economy.

In other news, the UDS Intellectual Property Office also hosted a special session for graduate students focused on the prospects of entrepreneurship as a taught course in the graduate curriculum. The session aimed to inspire students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation, positioning them to take advantage of emerging opportunities and contribute to economic development.

Both workshops reflect UDS's commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with industry, reinforcing its role as a driver of socio-economic transformation in Ghana and beyond.