On November 19, 2024, the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), in collaboration with UNIDO’s CAPFISH-CAPTURE Project, today hosted a workshop on University-Industry Linkages (UIL) that aimed to enhance Cambodia’s innovation ecosystem and its contribution to industrial and economic growth.
The workshop focused on raising awareness of the benefits of the Triple Helix Model, fostering partnerships, and enhancing skills in research collaboration, technology transfer, and innovation management. It brought together policymakers, industry representatives, development partners, and members of academic and research institutions to contribute insights to develop a national UIL guideline, supporting Cambodia’s STI Roadmap 2030.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, said, "Aligning university research with industry needs fosters innovation and enhances educational quality. It creates valuable opportunities for students in Cambodia to acquire the skills needed for today’s job market and enables universities to produce research outcomes that address real-world challenges and directly benefit industries."
The Minister also encouraged innovators to safeguard their research outcomes and discoveries by registering patents, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property in fostering creativity and economic growth. Innovators can secure their contributions and inspire further advancements in their respective fields, he added.
Through the CAPFISH-CAPTURE Project co-funded by the European Union (EU), UNIDO has launched the Food Technology, Research, and Innovation Platform (FTRIP) that brings together higher education institutions, the food sector, and government bodies to meet industry demands with research-based, innovative solutions.
Highlighting the EU’s role in promoting UIL as a driver of economic and social progress, the European Union’s Head of Cooperation to Cambodia, Mr. Bryan Fornari, said, “The EU recognizes UIL as essential for Cambodia’s innovation and competitiveness. By fostering connections between academia and industry, we ensure that knowledge translates into market-driven solutions, creating economic opportunities, jobs, and enhanced competitiveness.”
Mr. Sok Narin, UNIDO Cambodia Representative, reiterated his organization’s commitment to strengthening UIL for economic resilience, stating that, “Through initiatives like FTRIP, UNIDO supports Cambodia’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Collaboration among academia, the food sector, and government entities has advanced fish processing techniques and product development for those MSMEs.”
Cambodia’s STI Roadmap 2030 has outlined a clear vision for the advancement of science and technology in Cambodia. The roadmap highlights the crucial role of university-industry linkages as a foundation for innovation. By strengthening these connections, the government aims to accelerate innovation, promote research and development (R&D), develop human resources based on industrial demands, and stimulate economic growth.