The African Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AKTP): Challenges and Achievements.

Abstract

Industry–Government-University linkages or otherwise known as the triple helix has never been crucial as it is today in Kenya as a pillar for socio- economic development. The objective of the paper is to highlight the current situation in Kenya with regard to adoption of the triple helix concept. The African knowledge transfer partnership has as its key objectives: partnerships in which all benefits, industry access knowledge for competitiveness, associate capability built to become future business leaders and university access future projects and consultancies. The study is mainly based on desk research coupled with interviews focusing on significant players in the Africa knowledge transfer partnership model of linkage. Analysis of data was done using statistical tools to be able to determine the levels of significance with regard to barriers to industry-government-university linkages. Eligible projects for Africa knowledge transfer partnerships at the moment are those in science and technology fields such as: development of new products; improving efficiency; identifying alternative sources of raw materials; introducing new or improved quality systems; and introducing new or improved technologies. The paper highlights current AKTP Kenya  projects and concludes by pointing out that the triple helix approach based on the AKTP model can have major impact on economic and social development of a country if the government provides an enabling environment and strategies are put in place to promote the utilisation of research results.

KEY WORDS: KNWOLEDGE TRANSFER, TRIPLE HELIX