Research collaboration for attainment of a knowledge-based economy in Ghana.

Abstract

Research collaboration is acknowledged as a critical means of creating comparative advantages for innovation, economic growth and development. In the dire circumstance of limited national innovation and competitiveness, coupled with weak industrial research and development vis a vis a widening knowledge filter, it was imperative to examine research collaboration for attainment of a knowledge-based economy in Ghana. The study followed a sequential mixed methods approach and a descriptive-causal research design. It involved survey of a proportionate stratified sample of 511 academic researchers, with 53 percent response rate, and interview of 11 informants from two public universities in Ghana. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics such as the mean and standard multiple regression. It was established that involvement of academic researchers in research collaboration was low. Research collaboration made valuable contributions to innovation and had positive impact on the profession and welfare of academic researchers. However, the collaborations were saddled with numerous challenges such as difficulty of collaborating parties to have trust and common values, absence of enforceable intellectual property rights and limited infrastructure and funding. With versatile research orientation and quite high intention to collaborate, explained by a quite high attitude, perceived behavioural control and environmental possibility for research collaboration, academics can effectively fulfill their knowledge production function when the challenges are addressed. It is recommended that academics, through their institutions, create the platform for national discussions on setting up a national research and innovation council and a matching fund in support of research collaboration.