Stronger research, industry linkages needed to build a competitive digital economy – Deloitte Technology Senior Manager
Speaking as a panellist at the 2026 National ICT Week Celebrations organised by the National Information Technology Agency (NIITA) at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, Mr Aikins said a stronger collaboration between researchers and industry could help develop homegrown solutions, protect intellectual property and attract investments into Ghana's technology ecosystem.
Deloitte Technology Senior Manager Edward Aikins has called on the government to prioritize research and bolster connections between academia and industry to foster a robust digital economy capable of competing on the global stage. Addressing attendees at the 2026 National ICT Week Celebrations, hosted by the National Information Technology Agency (NIITA) at the University of Ghana, Legon, Aikins emphasized that a more robust collaboration between researchers and industry could facilitate the creation of locally-focused solutions, safeguard intellectual property, and entice investments into Ghana's technology sector.
He highlighted that achieving a comprehensive digital banking system extending beyond mere payment services is essential for the formalization and expansion of local economies. Aikins pointed out that while the necessary indicators are present, transforming them into tangible value remains the challenge. He stressed the need for organizations to transition from merely establishing infrastructural foundations to implementing digital transformation agendas, aiming to enable individual entities to develop enterprise solutions.
Aikins underscored that innovation should be at the forefront of driving growth within the ICT space, with research assigned a high priority to foster product and solution development. He also recommended the introduction of incentives for businesses demonstrating substantial technology integration across their operations. According to Aikins, establishing clear technology indicators and incentives tied to industry-specific objectives could spur businesses to intensify their digital transformation efforts, enhance productivity, and expedite Ghana's shift towards global competitiveness.
The panel discussion also featured Emmanuel Ofori, Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, and Sam Richardson, a technology consultant. The five-day National ICT Week brought together policymakers, innovators, academia, industry stakeholders in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), students, and investors to discuss the importance of collaboration and partnerships in propelling Ghana's digital advancement.
The event, themed "From Digital Growth to Global Competitiveness: Building Ghana’s Next Digital Economy," aimed to facilitate meaningful dialogue around the critical role of technology in shaping Ghana's future.
Written by urgent.news from Joy Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
