Research and innovation are gaining momentum in Namibia, with universities and government institutions calling for more investment to tackle socio-economic challenges and drive economic growth. 

The International University of Management (IUM) is among the institutions promoting this approach.

At the IUM Nkurenkuru Campus, researchers and students were encouraged to ensure that their research goes beyond academic requirements and contributes to addressing community challenges.

Campus Director Hosiana Hitanwa said research, innovation and entrepreneurship must have a clear purpose and contribute to finding solutions to social and economic challenges.

"Research should have a purpose, innovation should have a purpose and entrepreneurship should have a purpose. When we talk of research, we must be reminded that our research activities must directly provide answers to social and economic challenges faced by communities in Namibia and beyond."

The Nkurenkuru Campus deputy director, Charles Kabajani, who read the overview on behalf of the IUM Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation, said the initiative is also aligned with the country's broader development agenda.

"This day is not an isolated event but is related to the implementation of Namibia's Vision 2030 and its National Development Plan and all the plans in particular, which regards research, innovation and entrepreneurship and dig deeper for digital transformation as key drivers of economic growth, wealth generation and job creation."

Faculty Coordinator for Primary, Secondary and Postgraduate Education, Angelius Liveve, who represented the Director for Postgraduate Students and Research, stressed the need for research to produce practical results.

"For the research to be purposeful, it must bring about value; innovation as a new system; process products that have commercial value; and students and academics are implored to conduct research that produces touchable products for the market."

Speaking on behalf of the Acting Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Head of Academic Affairs Selma Mulunga said IUM wants to become a global hub for research and management.

"We need to cultivate a culture of innovative research and seek opportunities to incubate and accelerate high-potential students to contribute to inclusive growth through national development and strategic international partnership. Our aim is to become a global hub for management and theoretical development."