Intellectual Property Law and Technology Transfer in Senegalese Universities: A Qualitative Exploration

Intellectual Property (IP) law in Africa is increasingly recognised for its role in fostering innovation and technology transfer within universities. Senegal’s higher education sector, while growing, faces challenges in effectively leveraging IP to support technological advancements. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with faculty members, administrators, and students from three selected universities. Document review of IP-related laws and university policies was also conducted to complement the qualitative data. The analysis revealed that while a comprehensive legal framework exists for IP rights in Senegal, its implementation varies significantly across institutions, often leading to inconsistent application and understanding among stakeholders. This study highlights the need for more structured training programmes on IP law within universities and improved coordination between legal departments and academic units to enhance technology transfer practices. Universities should prioritise capacity building in IP law education and develop collaborative mechanisms with industrial partners to facilitate technological innovation. Simultaneously, policymakers must review current laws and encourage their alignment with international best practices.