The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has once again affirmed its leadership in innovation, academic distinction, and global collaboration by successfully hosting the 2025 Intelligence for Innovation (IN4IN) Conference.
The event formed part of the African Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS) Project, organized in partnership with Leipzig University and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Held under the powerful theme, “The Role of University–Business Linkages in Bridging Skills for Decent Work for the Global South,” the conference brought together an esteemed assembly of academics, policymakers, and industry leaders. Together, they shared transformative ideas on enhancing employability, innovation, and sustainable development through stronger ties between academia and industry.
In his address, Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, celebrated the university’s progressive role in shaping the future of work and higher education.
“The demands of digitalisation and the restructuring of labour markets require a fresh approach to skills development—one that values creativity, adaptability, and continuous learning,” he emphasized. “When industry and academia co-create curricula, co-supervise research, and co-develop solutions, learning becomes not just theoretical but transformational.”
Professor Asamoah proudly reaffirmed KNUST’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive graduates through innovative initiatives such as the Career Services Centre, the Innovation and Incubation Hub, and ACCESS–Ghana. These platforms, he explained, empower students through experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world impact.
“At KNUST, we continue to strengthen partnerships with industry leaders and public institutions to ensure that our graduates remain relevant and innovative,” he noted. “Our collaborations have produced tangible outcomes—from industry-led projects and mentorship programmes to internships that transform ideas into thriving enterprises.”
He extended special commendation to Professor Robert Clement Abaidoo and the ACCESS–Ghana team for their dedication, and expressed appreciation to DAAD and international partners for their unwavering support in promoting global academic excellence.
Delivering an inspiring presentation, Professor Dr. Utz Dornberger, Director of ACCESS, underscored the critical role of digitalisation and cross-border collaboration in modern education. He spotlighted groundbreaking initiatives such as the “E-Edition Challenge,” where students design digital marketing strategies for international firms, as a model for practical, skill-based learning.
“The future classroom will be interactive and digital—mirroring real business environments and empowering students to act, innovate, and grow,” he said. “Collaboration between African and European universities is key to building a new generation of globally competent graduates.”
From the business front, Dr. Alexander Asmah, Chief Executive Officer of Amenfiman Rural Bank Plc, praised the initiative and called for a renewed focus on private sector engagement in shaping employable skills.
“Africa’s challenge is not a lack of talent but a lack of structure,” he asserted. “We must build systems that connect academia, mentorship, and industry to generate opportunities for our youth. Our goal is to create decent work—jobs that bring dignity, creativity, and purpose.”
Dr. Asmah proposed the formation of a Multi-Stakeholder Skills Development Council to coordinate mentorship, internships, and youth entrepreneurship financing, urging African institutions to invest boldly in innovation ecosystems that foster sustainable transformation.
The 2025 IN4IN Conference was more than an academic gathering—it was a celebration of KNUST’s visionary leadership, its commitment to human capital development, and its unwavering pursuit of excellence. Through platforms like ACCESS, KNUST continues to inspire a generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers, reaffirming its role as a true catalyst for change and decent work in the Global South.
