The College of Engineering organised a seminar on 15th February 2024 at the New College of Engineering Building to foster and strengthen collaboration between industry and academia. The seminar was part of the activities for the visit of Ing. Henry Antwi, an Australian-based Mining Engineer and Mineral Economist and a fellow at the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
The importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry through meaningful engagement with stakeholders was emphasised by Prof. Francis Kemausour, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering and Chair of the seminar. He intimated that some graduates from the College lack industrial experience, and strengthening collaboration with industry for more industrial internships and practical field training is crucial.
Ing. Henry Antwi shared his industrial experiences and insights with participants. He mentioned the importance of clearly understanding one's interests, fostering and leveraging collaboration between industry and academia, and implementing robust monitoring systems.
Drawing from his experiences with companies in Australia, he highlighted the benefits of strong partnerships between the industry and universities, where academic research contributes directly to solving practical industry problems.
He urged the College to participate in conferences, proactively market itself to attract companies, and foster transparent communication with the mining industry through newsletters and stakeholder engagement.
Ms. Olivia Johnson, a Human Resource and Business Management Professional, presented virtually. She stressed the need for academia to strengthen its ties with industry by addressing barriers, cultural differences, communication gaps, and intellectual property concerns. Ms. Johnson proposed solutions such as fostering a collaborative culture, streamlining engagement processes, and leveraging technology for effective collaboration. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of addressing intellectual property concerns and encouraging joint agreements on academic research and technologies.
Dr. Peter Amponsah-Mensah, Director at PAMICOR Limited, outlined discipline, focus, innovative work, and effective communication as the four fundamental principles and values of PAMICOR Limited. He underscored the significance of capacity building as the foundational step in any venture.
“Collaboration cannot thrive without offering value. Focus then on enhancing your brand to become more appealing for recommendations,” he said.
