Practices Impeding the Use of External Technology in Promoting Commercialization of Innovative Technology Solutions in Selected TVET Institutions in Kenya

Abstract

In the recent past, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Kenya has witnessed increasing demands to undertake technology innovations with commercial intent. In response, TVET institutions have endeavoured to develop programmes geared to promoting commercialization of innovative technology innovations. One way to achieve this goal has been to infuse knowledge and technology that has been acquired from external players in their innovations. However, in doing so the institutions have fallen short of producing a noticeable impact in the nations’ economy through commercialization of their innovations. This study identified the institutional practices impeding the use of external technology in promoting commercialization of innovative solutions in TVET institutions. It also assessed the effectiveness of strategies that were employed to promote the use of external technology to strengthen own innovative technology solutions. This study adopted pragmatic philosophical paradigm and descriptive research design. The target population comprised 30 TVET institutions that were performing well in developing competitive technology solutions which could be commercialized from which 9 institutions were selected by simple random sampling. A pilot study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of research instruments. Principals of TVET institutions and officers of relevant government agencies were interviewed. 96 Innovators in these institutions filled a questionnaire. Document analysis and an observation guide were used to collaborate responses. Data collected by research instruments was analysed by descriptive measures and qualitative approaches. The study found out that TVET institutions had not fully embraced practices that would improve their products for commercial purpose. This greatly hampered their ability to generate competitive market-viable innovations. The study recommends that TVET institutions create, embrace and maintain mechanisms to improve the commercialization rate