INSTITUTIONAL PRACTICES IMPEDING COMMERCIALISATION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS: A CASE OF SELECTED TVET INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA

Abstract

For over a decade, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Kenya has witnessed increasing demands to undertake technology innovations with commercial intent. Although this goal is not to be achieved at the expense of skills training, the drive has attracted funds and grants purposed to stimulate catalytic activities in innovations. In response, TVET institutions have endeavoured to develop programmes geared to promoting technology innovations. This study was envisaged from observations that although there existed innovative products, there commercialisation rate remains insignificant. A challenge exists in converting innovations to commercial products. This study assessed the institutional practices of selected innovative TVET institutions that impede commercialisation of their innovative technology solutions. A conceptual framework of open innovation model was used. The study assessed the use of external technology, value creation and collaboration in promoting commercialisation of innovative technology solutions. A descriptive survey research design was used. TVET institutions in Kenya, which were actively involved in technology innovations and whose innovations were ranked highly were selected by a simple random method. Heads of these TVET institutions and Lead officers in government agencies concerned with innovation commercialisation were interviewed. TVET innovators responded to a questionnaire. Data collection employed interview schedule, questionnaire, document analysis and an observation guide. A pilot study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of research instruments. Research data was analysed by descriptive, correlation and exploratory factor analyses. The study revealed that innovators and TVET institutions were inadequately equipped to undertake competitive commercial innovations. Most innovators had little or no training related to innovation commercialisation. More so, technology innovations were not treated with the seriousness deserved to commercialise them. It emerged that TVET institutions were under-utilising their internal infrastructure, external partnership, human resource and thus hampering their efforts to commercialise. A model of commercialisation of innovative technology solutions was developed. It emphasised on a strong interlinkage in development of audacious internal policies and processes that spark innovations with commercial intent, utilisation of collaborations and institution’s resources for production of market competitive products. The study recommended formulation of enabling policies, training of innovators in innovation commercialisation skills, promoting collaborative practices, adaption of robust market strategies among others. This study will be significant to government agencies, TVET Authority, TVET institutions, industry players and other stakeholders who are involved in funding innovations and developing policies aimed at promoting innovation commercialisation.