Intellectual Property Law and Technology Transfer Dynamics in Mali's Universities

Intellectual Property (IP) Law in Mali's universities is pivotal for fostering technological innovation and knowledge transfer. An action research study involving qualitative interviews with key stakeholders including university administrators, researchers, and patent officers. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The findings indicate a significant gap in the enforcement of IP Law, particularly regarding patents and licensing agreements, which impedes technology transfer from universities to industry. Despite efforts, Mali's university environment struggles with effective IP Law implementation, leading to underutilization of potential technological advancements. The study recommends strengthening legal frameworks for IP Law enforcement and enhancing collaboration between universities and local industries to facilitate smoother technology transfer processes.