An Assessment of Value Creation Practices in Enhancing Marketability of Internally Developed Technology Solutions: A Case of Selected TVET Institutions in Kenya

Abstract

The core mandate of technical and vocational training institutions is to train for skills acquisition. There is also a realization that these institutions can as well play a significant role in building a knowledge-driven economy as witnessed in developed economies. Most developing countries, Kenya included, are now exerting such expectations on these institutions. Consequently, TVET institutions have embraced processes that have led to both generation of innovative technology solutions and establishment of collaboration with industries. Despite this spirited efforts, marketability of these innovations continues to face significant internal challenges within the institutions. These challenges have led to an insignificant number of TVET innovative technology solutions to reach the market. This study examined the effectiveness of value creation practices by institutions in promoting marketworthiness of internally innovated technology solutions. It also determined the extent institutional resources and collaboration are utilized in enhancing existing innovations into market-worthy products. This study was a descriptive survey. The research instruments used were questionnaire, interview schedule, observation guide and document survey. These instruments were tested in a pilot study that involved two TVET institutions with similar characteristics as those in the study population. The study population consisted 30 institutions with a sound national reputation in technology innovations. Nine of these institutions were sampled by simple random method. Respondents included principals of the sampled institutions, government agencies, innovators and head of research departments. Both descriptive and qualitative approaches were used to analyse data. The study found that most innovators have sufficient infrastructure at their institution to create value for their innovations. However, insufficient funding and failure to acquire Intellectual Property licenses from external partners were affecting upscaling, modification and enhancement of existing innovation solutions. The study recommends that TVET institutions create, embrace and maintain internal and collaborative mechanisms that will improve the commercialization rate of their innovations. Furthermore, TVET institutions should pursue value-addition on existing technology innovations through effective utilization of available infrastructure