Elsie Effah Kaufmann urges commercialisation of research at CSIR fair

Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, has called for a more deliberate approach to bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial application. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Innovation Fair 2026, she emphasized that while the nation possesses significant talent and knowledge, the transition from the laboratory to the marketplace remains a critical bottleneck for national development.

During her address, Professor Kaufmann highlighted the necessity of converting academic findings into viable business ventures that can address real-world challenges. She argued that the success of Ghana’s innovation ecosystem depends on the ability of researchers, engineers, and educators to collaborate effectively with policymakers. This synergy is essential to ensuring that brilliant ideas do not remain confined to academic papers but are instead transformed into impactful technologies and services that benefit the wider society.

The Dean also stressed that investments in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education must be strategically aligned with national innovation policies. By integrating these fields, the government and educational institutions can create a pipeline that supports sustainable economic growth. Professor Kaufmann noted that such a shift in focus is vital for improving food security and creating new economic opportunities for Ghanaians, ultimately leading to a more self-reliant and technologically advanced nation.

The call comes at a time when the CSIR continues to showcase local innovations aimed at industrializing the economy. By fostering a culture where research is intentionally directed toward market needs, Professor Kaufmann believes Ghana can better harness its intellectual capital to solve pressing societal issues and compete on a global scale.