Teaching-research-innovation nexus: Towards an entrepreneurial university of technology

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present a possible teaching-research-innovation synergy framework that may work for one University of Technology (UoT) that is moving towards becoming an entrepreneurial university in order to bring about practical solutions for the socio-economic needs of the surrounding communities. A literature review was undertaken to interrogate the possibility of applying the teaching-research-innovation nexus at one university of technology in South Africa. Literature shows that the teaching-research-innovation nexus is a debate that has always occupied higher education. Some researchers argue that there can be no teaching without research or research without teaching. However, bringing synergy between teachingresearch and innovation is a complex process. The literature revealed that in order to realise the synergy among the three forces it is vital for an entrepreneurial university to forge partnerships with industry and surrounding communities. The authors believe that, with broad economic participation, innovation and new enterprise development - realisable for instance through a science park within the institution to support entrepreneurship - poverty among neighbouring communities can be mediated. The process will contribute to the country's development initiatives.