(November 13, 2018) The State Minister for Higher Education Development, Honorable Ato Kora Tushune, stated at the forum that universities are expected to create economic and social values, solve problems, and produce new entrepreneurs, in addition to producing graduates.
The Honorable State Minister emphasized that university incubation centers should be the engine of the country’s economy, as they are centers where the transition from a traditional economy to a knowledge-based economy is carried out.
University development centers should actively contribute to the country’s economic growth by creating strong partnerships with private development industries and regional markets, said Honorable Ato Kora.
He also urged development centers to play their part in the country’s economic growth by increasing their contributions to agriculture, manufacturing, health, digital solutions, tourism, climate and other innovative activities.
FCDO’s Senior Education Advisor in Ethiopia, Chris Berry (PhD), said that his organization has been working to strengthen higher education research partnerships and collaborations in 6 African countries, including Ethiopia, over the past five years.
He noted that the organization has supported the promotion of new technologies and increased productivity in Ethiopia, especially in Gondar and Jimma universities, and he will continue to strengthen its support in the future.
The Executive Director of the Ministry of Research and Community Development, Dr. Adebayor Handiso (PhD), said that the science, technology, and innovation capacity and skills of the enrichment centers in higher education institutions in Ethiopia should be enhanced.
He also stated that efforts are being made to strengthen the enrichment centers and bring people with creative ideas in science, technology, and innovation to production and service to increase the benefits of the sector.
The Head of the Institutional Network and Technology Transfer Desk, Ato Teshome Daniel, on his part, indicated that the purpose of the enrichment centers is to enhance the culture of science, technology, and innovation, to increase creative ideas and bring them to the market.
Ato Teshome stated that he will work diligently to ensure that the enrichment centers in universities are up to standard, utilize their resources properly, and work collaboratively.
Representatives from South Africa, Ghana and other countries presented their experiences and insights from their respective incubation centers and discussions were held.
The forum was attended by university presidents and vice presidents, heads of the Ministry of Education and various sectoral offices, representatives from various countries and other invited guests.
