In Pursuit of Moral Synergy between Research and Industry in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Zimbabwe, Sharing Mixed Methods Methodology Experiences to Prospective Scholars

Abstract

Zimbabwe has consistently received high-level calls for moral synergy between research and industry (R-I). Bi-annual research symposia always share this thematic message. Statutory instruments establishing Zimbabwe technical universities explicitly support R-I synergy. The Constitution of Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), registered under the Research Act Chapter 10:22, supports the commercialisation of research output. The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZIs) supports the call for synergy by establishing a Standing Committee on research and development (R&D). Despite this noble call, a moral synergy between R and I seems to have been resisted. This prompted this author to pursue doctoral studies to find out why a moral synergy between research and industry has been repetitively resisted. Theories that guided the research included: The Stage-Gate ® Process, where novelty, teamwork and customer service are prioritised, The Technology Diffusion, which gives paths for innovations to be successfully transferred from academia into industry, The Triple Helix, which shares the relationships among academia, industry and the Government and The Systems Approach, which places emphasis on a holistic view and the feedback extent Mixed methods methodology was the chosen research paradigm, with qualitative component dominating (QUAL-QUANT). Researchers and experts working in both industry and academia were covered. According to the study, both academia and industry admit that synergy was very low, between 30 and 40%. Neither side was working to mitigate the negative position. Novelty, teamwork, customer audience and emphasis on feedback were rare. For students choosing pragmatism paradigm in their studies, they: Should have all necessary authorisations ready Must have a thorough knowledge of the subject area they have chosen so they ask essential questions Must be prepared to land into some past 'storm' Observe ethics Have a strong command of philosophical foundations. It was also found out that the moral synergy between research and industry was low due to circumstances beyond academia and industry control. Skills flight, poor infrastructure support (energy supply, ICT, absence of laboratory instruments/consumables), limited exposure to best practices and absence of mentors weighed in negatively. However, the lessons learnt led to the identification of x-factor aspects that needed attention for moral research-industry synergy to be realised.