This report presents the findings of a scoping study on university-industry linkages in Africa to determine what interface structures, policies, positions, incentives, and funding avenues are currently in place (or lacking) and what services or interventions African institutions themselves gauge to be most important for strengthening their efforts. This study was conducted by the Association of African Universities (AAU) in partnership with the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

Based on responses from a total of 133 universities and other higher education institutions across Africa which participated in the study, the findings show that African universities are taking initial steps to stimulate and deepen linkages with industry and the productive sector. The importance of leadership, both in terms of policy and personnel, was noted as an important enabling factor for promoting linkages. However, various capacity gaps in terms of requisite skills, research infrastructure, and funding represent significant challenges for many Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).