Streamlining Institutional Policies as a Pathway to University Transformation: A Case of Kyambogo University, Uganda

The increased recognition of universities as core actors in national innovation systems and the changing complexity of societal needs call for various stakeholders to work together more strategically. In this vein, the researchers set out to explore the institutional policies that can transform the university into a “stand-up” institution of higher learning. A single case study design was utilised to generate data through reviews of government and institutional documents, as well as qualitative semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 05 participants from Kyambogo University (KyU). Data were analysed and interpreted thematically. Analysis focused on aspects of institutional policies regarding university transformation (UT); management of infrastructure at the University; and barriers to UT. Findings indicated that there was poor coordination and implementation of policies and a poor policy mix in connection with UT at the University. Some envisaged institutional policies in the form of intellectual property rights have not come to fruition, leading to failure to develop an inventory of research activities at KyU. The university's institutional policies are not activated to steer UT. The study recommended that university management should streamline a policy for linkage between KyU and the productive sector. Furthermore, KyU management should establish and implement institutional policies that enhance UT. Lastly, the university should equip its academic units with infrastructure that is proficient with key production units