University Industry Linkage Plan (2)

1. Wollega University Gimbi Campus Vision plan on Industry linkage officer Job Vacancy Position By Yadesa Akena Dinsa(MSc) October, 2025 Gimbi, Oromia, Ethiopia

2. My Educational Back ground: • BSc: in NaRM; MSc in Forest Resource Assessment and Monitoring • Job Experience: • 3-yearsat woreda Agricultural and natural office, 1-year at woreda level Environmental Protection, Forest and Climate Change office and 1-year at Zone level on the position of forest development, protection, and utilization. • 5-years teaching; 2-years and 4 months on forestry department head at Wollega University Gimbi campus • Publications: • https://www.sciencepg.com/article/10.11648/j.ajls.20221005.12 • https://www.rroij.com/open-access/the-effect-of-coffee-expansion-and-its-management-on-regeneration-of-natural-forest-in-gidame-woreda-west-ethiopia.php?aid=91292

3. Contents • Introduction • Current Landscape Analysis • My Vision Plan • Key Strategies for • Implementation Plan

4. 1. Introduction • 1.1. Industry-University Collaboration • University-Industry linkage/ collaboration is a strategic partnership between educational institutions and industries: • For fostering innovation and economic growth; and • Essential for aligning academic research with real-world needs. • It increases emphasis on collaborative research and development worldwide

5. 1.2. Benefits of Universities-Industry Linkage • Universities gain access to industry expertise and funding, while industries acquire access to cutting-edge research and skilled talent; mutually beneficial synergies are created. • Enhancing Innovation Ecosystem: • Create a vibrant innovation ecosystem within the university campus by facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborative projects. • Improving Educational Outcomes • Enhance educational outcomes for students by providing real-world learning experiences and preparing them for careers in high-demand industries.

6. 1.3. Purpose of University-Industry Linkage • Tofoster robust partnerships between academia and industry. • To enhance research commercialization, drive innovation, and prepare industry-ready graduates. • Tocreate a dynamic ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, researchers, and industry partners.

7. 1.4. Mission Statements • Building Bridges for Mutual Growth: • Proactively identify and nurture strategic partnerships with industry leaders. • Facilitate seamless integration of research, education, and industry application. • Develop targeted programs that address industry challenges and enhance graduate employability. • Promote the commercialization of university intellectual property and support entrepreneurship.

8. 1.4. Guiding Principles and Core Values • Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all engagements. • Collaboration: Fostering trust and shared goals. • Innovation: Encouraging creativity and novel solutions. • Excellence: Striving for the highest quality outcomes. • Impact: Driving tangible economic and societal benefits and • Mutual Benefit

9. 2. Current State of Our University • Wollega University (WU) is a public higher educational institution established in February 2007 by enrolling 851 students in 17 departments under four Faculties: Business and Economics, Education, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. • At the time, the University had 140 academic staff, and about 123 administrative support staff.  • At Nekemte town, which is 310 km away from Addis Ababa westwards,

10. Cont.… • The University also runs two campuses namely Gimbi and Shambu other than Nekemte Campus. • Gimbi campus is located at Gimbi town, which is 110 km west of Nekemte. • The Campus was opened in January 2009.  • The University, though young for its age, has made a multifarious progress in training, research, and services provision.

11. 2.1. Collaborative Learning Spaces • At our campus, learning doesn't just happen only in classrooms. • We provide open and vibrant spaces where students can collaborate, share ideas, and work together on projects. • These areas are designed to foster creativity and teamwork, helping students thrive in an environment of innovation and • Offers industries to join in exploring the power of collaboration and discover how our campus encourages students to think beyond the textbook.

12. Cont.…. • The university engages in university-industry linkages: • To ensure its academic programs and research align with societal and national development needs, • fostering partnerships with government, private, and non-government institutions though activities like: • students internships, • applied research, • technology transfer, and • funding collaborations.

13. 3. My Vision Plan • Facilitating institution recognized for pioneering impactful and sustainable collaborations between university research and industry innovation. • Creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem where academic knowledge seamlessly translates into tangible economic and societal impact. • Empowering our students, faculty, and partners to drive economic prosperity and social advancement.

14. Cont.… • Facilitating bridge between the university and external industrial/commercial entities. • Facilitating for knowledge transfer and research collaborationactivities. • Identifying opportunities for joint projects, funding, and student placements. • Developing and maintain strategic relationships with industry stakeholders.

15. Cont.… • Facilitating for Industry-Focused Education and Training • Curriculum Review and Reform • Review of courses, programs, and micro-credentials that align with industry needs, ensuring graduates have the skills and knowledge employers require; fostering workforce readiness. • Internship and Co-op Programs • Expanding internship and co-op opportunities for students, providing real-world experience and connecting them with potential employers; building industry partnerships.

16. Cont.… • Executive Education Programs • Offering executive education programs to up skill industry professionals, providing access to the latest research and expertise, and fostering collaboration; supporting lifelong learning. • Facilitating Technology Transfer: Streamlining the technology transfer process, making it easier for industries to license and commercialize university research; bridging the gap between academia and industry.

17. Cont.… • Entrepreneurship Support • Incubators and Accelerators • Providing incubator and accelerator programs for student and faculty startups, • offering mentorship, funding, and resources to help them launch successful ventures; • cultivating entrepreneurial spirit.

18. Cont.… • Funding Opportunities • Connecting startups with investors, venture capitalists, and angel investors, providing access to funding opportunities to help them grow and scale their businesses; fostering investment. • Mentorship and Networking • Offering mentorship programs and networking events that connect entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders and industry experts, providing guidance and support.

19. 4. Key Implementation Strategies 4.1. Analyzing Current Landscape of University-Industry Engagement • Overview of existing partnerships and collaborations. • Current level of industry-sponsored research. • Existing pathways for technology transfer and commercialization. • Internship and placement opportunities for students. • Perception of the university within the industry sector.

20. Cont.…. 4.2. SWOT Analysis: Our University-Industry Linkage • Strengths: • World-class research expertise. • Talented and motivated student body. • Reputation for academic excellence. • Weaknesses: • Limited industry engagement infrastructure. • Bureaucratic processes for collaboration. • Lack of dedicated commercialization support.

21. Cont.…. • Opportunities: • Growing demand for innovative solutions from industry. • Government initiatives supporting industry-academia collaboration. • Threats: • Competition from other universities and research institutions. • Rapid pace of technological change. • Economic downturns affecting industry investment.

22. Cont.… 4.3. Identifying the Key Stakeholders

23. Cont.… • Enhancing Research Commercialization • To accelerate the translation of university research into viable commercial products, services, and ventures. • Initiating Technology Transfer & Licensing • Strengthening the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) capabilities. • Tracking and manage royalty income and benefit sharing.

24. Cont.… • Initiating Intellectual Property (IP) Management • Streamline IP disclosure and protection processes. • Provide faculty with clear IP policies and guidelines. • Offer workshops on patenting, copyright, and trade secrets. • Develop proactive IP portfolio management strategies. • Collaborate with legal experts for patent filing and prosecution.

25. Cont... • Initiating - Spin-off & Start-up Support • Establishing or enhancing an innovation hub/incubator. • Provide mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders. • Offering access to co-working spaces and lab facilities. • Facilitating connections with angel investors and venture capital firms.

26. Cont.…. • Initiatives - Funding & Partnerships • Seek grant funding for commercialization. • Develop flexible partnership models that encourage joint Intellectual Property ownership and revenue sharing. • Fostering Innovation & Entrepreneurship • Initiating a culture of innovation and empower students and faculty to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. • Entrepreneurship Education & Training

27. Cont.… • Initiating - Education & Training • Integrate entrepreneurship modules into relevant academic programs. • Offering specialized workshops • Developing an online resource portal for aspiring entrepreneurs. • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration for innovation projects.

28. Cont.… • Initiating - Competitions & Challenges • Organizingannual university-wide start-up competitions. • Host industry-sponsored innovation challenges on specific problems. • Facilitate student participation in national and international entrepreneurship contests. • Recognize and reward innovative ideas and ventures.

29. Cont.… • Initiating - Mentorship & Networking • Build a strong network of industry mentors and advisors. • Pair student/faculty start-ups with experienced mentors. • Organize regular networking events connecting innovators with investors and potential partners. • Leverage alumni network for mentorship and investment opportunities.

30. Cont.… • Developing Industry-Ready Graduates • To ensure graduates possess the skills, knowledge, and experience demanded by the modern workforce through: • Curriculum Development, review & Enhancement • Internships, Co-ops, and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) • Industry Guest Lectures & Workshops • Career Development & Employability Skills • Alumni Engagement for Career Pathways

31. Cont.… • Initiating Curriculum Review • Establish regular feedback mechanisms with industry on curriculum relevance. • Collaborate with industry to design new courses or update existing ones. • Promote project-based learning focused on industry needs.

32. Cont.… • Facilitating Internships & WIL • Expand and diversify internship and co-op opportunities across various sectors. • Develop structured Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs. • Partner with companies to create meaningful and challenging work experiences. • Ensure effective student support and evaluation for WIL placements.

33. Cont.…. • Offering Guest Lectures & Workshops • Inviting industry professionals to deliver guest lectures and seminars. • Organizing industry-led workshops on specific skills and technologies. • Encourage site visits and industrial tours for students.

34. Cont.… • Strengthening Collaborative Projects • Fostering strategic, long-term collaborations on impactful research and development projects. • Initiatives - Joint Research • Proactively identify research areas of mutual interest with industry. • Facilitate matchmaking between faculty research groups and industry needs.

35. Cont.… • Initiating Knowledge Exchange • Develop programs for faculty to gain industry experience • Organize workshops and seminars on emerging industry trends for faculty. • Create platforms for sharing best practices and lessons. • Building a Robust Ecosystem • Creating a supportive and interconnected network that facilitates continuous engagement and collaboration.

36. 5. Implementation plan • 5.1. Phased Approach • Short-Term phase (6 months -1 Years) • Focusing on quick wins, such as launching collaborative research projects, developing industry-focused education programs, and establishing partnerships with local businesses; building momentum.

37. Mid-Term phase (1-2 Years) • Expanding industry partnerships, scaling up incubator and accelerator programs, and increasing research funding to achieve sustainable growth; reaching strategic milestones. • Long-Term phase (2+ Years) • Establishing the university as a leading hub for industry-university collaboration, driving regional economic growth, and achieving national and international recognition; securing lasting impact.

38. 5.2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Measuring Success: • Tracking key performance indicators, such as the number of industry partnerships, research funding, patents, startups, and graduate employment rates; quantitatively measuring progress. • Data Collection and Analysis • Establishing systems for collecting and analyzing data to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions; using objective insights. • Regular Reporting and Feedback • Providing regular reports to stakeholders on progress, achievements, and challenges, ensuring transparency and accountability; maintaining collaborative alignment.

39. Thank you!