Accra: Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has called upon industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to collaborate with scientists to convert locally generated research into commercially viable projects that can create jobs and drive industrial growth. Speaking at the CSIR Policy Dialogue and Innovation Fair in Accra, Professor Marian Dorcas Quain, Deputy Director-General of CSIR, emphasized the need to transition from rhetoric to action by enhancing the connections between research, industry, and investment.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was held under the Sankore Project, implemented by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) in partnership with UNESCO, with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The initiative aims to transform research papers into bankable projects. Professor Quain highlighted the shared belief that research must extend beyond laboratories and journals, serving as a catalyst for economic transformation and societal progress.
During the event, Professor Quain described CSIR as "Ghana's engine of innovation," stressing the importance of engaging with farmers and the private sector. She detailed the challenges faced in adopting local techniques like tissue culture and emphasized the need for communication and collaboration. She cited the example of Precise Agro Farms, which successfully collaborated with CSIR, showcasing the potential of translating research into viable economic solutions.
The Innovation Fair aimed to connect research with industry, promote investment opportunities, and create sustainable commercialization pathways. Professor Quain urged stakeholders to build an ecosystem where research informs policy, policy supports innovation, and innovation drives industrial and economic transformation.
Mr. Alfred Otoo, Project Director of Precise Agro Processing, reinforced the message of collaboration, highlighting the success of their partnership with CSIR. The collaboration led to the development of twelve cassava genotypes and the establishment of plantations using disease-free planting materials, demonstrating the economic benefits of research-backed farming.
Ms. Adelaide Asantewaa Asante, Head of the West Africa Office of UKCEH in Ghana, discussed the importance of institutional systems supporting innovation uptake. She noted that CSIR underwent an audit to identify opportunities for improving systems and market readiness, resulting in recommendations that UKCEH and its partners are committed to supporting.
The event successfully brought together researchers, industry players, investors, policymakers, and development partners to translate scientific knowledge into scalable, market-ready solutions, supporting Ghana's economic transformation.