African Legal Philosophy and Theory (Law/Philosophy crossover) | 22 July 2005
Intellectual Property Law and Technology Transfer Dynamics in African Universities of Angola
M, á, r, i, o, V, i, a, n, a
Abstract
Intellectual Property (IP) Law in Africa is a developing area of law with significant implications for technology transfer and innovation within universities. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with key informants such as university administrators, researchers, and industry partners. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. A notable finding is the underutilization of existing IP Law provisions for technology transfer in Angola’s academic environment, with a significant proportion (40%) of potential transfers not proceeding due to legal complexities and institutional inertia. The study concludes that while there are opportunities for improving technology transfer through better integration of IP Law into university policies and practices, current legal frameworks need further development and enforcement. University policymakers should prioritise the adoption of robust IP Law provisions in their strategic plans. Additionally, continuous training programmes on IP Law for researchers and staff are recommended to enhance understanding and compliance.