At the October Higher Education Conference of Universities South Africa (USAf), Dr McEdward Murimbika, Director at the University of the Witwatersrand’s (WITS) Centre for Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and senior faculty at the WITS Business School, laid out his vision for how universities can evolve from traditional research-focused institutions into engines of innovation and entrepreneurship. His presentation provided a roadmap for universities to serve their communities and economies better.
Addressing the topic: The Entrepreneurial University and Formalising Relationships with Six External Partners, Dr Murimbika said the university’s future lies in redefining its traditional role. Historically, universities have functioned as centres for intellectual discovery, producing research that contributed to academic and societal knowledge. However, as the world faces increasing economic, environmental, and social challenges, he argues that universities must expand their remit to become hubs of knowledge exchange that actively engage with society. This transformation goes beyond producing research; institutions must ensure their knowledge leads to tangible societal impact.