The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry says stronger collaboration between academia and industry can translate research into viable businesses, jobs and economic opportunities across Nigeria and Africa.

Adesoji Adesugba, first deputy president of the ACCI, said this on Tuesday. Mr Adesugba said he was set to unveil a book examining how stronger collaboration between academia and industry could accelerate innovation, enterprise development and economic transformation in Nigeria and Africa.

Mr Adesugba said the book is entitled, ‘From Laboratory to Marketplace: Bridging Industry and Academia for Innovation-Led Development, with Lessons for Nigeria and Africa’. He said the publication examined how academic knowledge could be translated into commercially viable products, sustainable businesses, employment opportunities and shared prosperity.

According to him, the book explores strategies for bridging the gap between knowledge creation and market application, including partnerships, policy frameworks and financing mechanisms.

“The effort is to support collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and the organised private sector,” he said.

Drawing on international experience and professional engagements across investment promotion, public institutions and the private sector, Mr Adesugba offered insights into building an effective innovation ecosystem.

“Such ecosystems could enable research institutions and businesses to jointly develop solutions to real-world challenges, create investment opportunities and generate economic value. Stronger links among researchers, businesses, investors and policymakers could support enterprise growth, improve productivity and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in innovation-driven markets,” he said.

Mr Adesugba noted that the book is particularly relevant to Nigeria and other African economies seeking to strengthen local productive capacity, promote technology-driven entrepreneurship and improve industrial competitiveness. He said that the publication addressed the disconnect between academic research and marketplace demands, highlighting practical approaches to commercialising research findings.

Mr Adesugba added that the book was designed as a resource for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, business leaders and other stakeholders interested in sustainable development.

“My forthcoming work emphasises closer engagement between academia and the organised private sector to promote innovation, commercialisation and enterprise growth. Such partnerships can unlock the economic potential of research, support the emergence of new industries and expand employment opportunities.

“The book highlights the importance of creating an enabling environment where research institutions and businesses can collaborate effectively to deliver market-driven solutions,” he said.

Mr Adesugba called on relevant stakeholders and interested readers to stay connected for further information on the book’s release. He said that the official publication details would be announced in due course.

(NAN)