Promises and Perils of the Virtuous Knowledge Exchange Cycle in Ethiopian HEIs

Abstract

Advanced economies are now moving from a resource-based to a knowledge-based mode of
production. National governments of many developing economies also have come to recognize
knowledge and innovation as significant driving forces of economic growth and social
development. However, they have many challenges to handle before they pave the way to exploit
the knowledge resource they have. In light of this view, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are
required to play a pivotal role in driving this vision by complementing their traditional role –
teaching and research – with the development of an effective knowledge exchange system with
the private and public sectors. To be able to do this, they need to develop an innovative
approach that allows them to exploit the knowledge that exists outside their reach for further
knowledge reconstruction. This vision, however, requires clear deliberation on important
strategic as well as technical issues. This paper highlights the challenges of universities are
facing in the 21st century. It discusses the rationale for knowledge exchange by identifying the
challenges and opportunities universities locally are confronted with. It concludes by identifying
priority issues the institutions engaged in higher education delivery must not ignore, whilst also
focusing and considering the implementation of knowledge exchange in Ethiopian universities