“Impact Must Be Measured Beyond Publications” – Prof. Tutu Tchao
Scientific Director of DIPPER Lab and Head of the Computer Engineering Department at KNUST, Prof. Eric Tutu Tchao, has called on universities to measure the real-world impact of their research, not just the number of papers they publish.
Speaking at a Fireside Chat during the 2025 Regional Innovation Synergies (RIS) Conference in Accra, Prof. Tchao said much of the research conducted in Ghanaian universities, including in Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, remains in journals and rarely reaches industry or society.
“We publish all these ideas, but nobody really sees them.
At some point, you realise that impact must be measured beyond publications. People must speak to the research,” he said.
The Fireside Chat, moderated by Mr. Gameli Adzaho, Country Technical Lead for The RISA Fund, focused on Technology Transfer Models for Inclusive Enterprise Growth.
The event funded by the RISA Fund also featured contributions from Mr. Julius Lamptey, Senior Research and Policy Officer at Impact Investing Ghana, and Mr. Senyo Kpelly, CEO of Tropical Agrifoods Ltd.
Prof. Tchao explained that while universities provide students with foundational knowledge, bridging the gap between research and practical industry application is key for growth.
He also noted that Ghana has very few deep-tech companies because most businesses do not base their products on research.
According to him, true innovation happens when research and industry work closely together.
“Most companies here don’t build from research. But research is what drives meaningful innovation. Now that collaboration is starting, we should begin to see better outcomes,” he said.
The discussion explored ways universities can transfer technology to businesses, support small and growing enterprises, and strengthen partnerships that foster practical solutions in agrifood, climate action, and rural technology.
The RIS Conference brings together policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners under the theme “Aligning Partnerships for Innovation: Building Synergies in Agrifood, Climate Action, and Rural Technology Transfer for Job Creation".
