Prof. Adesugba Set to Unveil New Book on Bridging Industry and Academia for Innovation-Led Development
October 26, 2026
Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, 1st Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), is set to unveil a new book examining how stronger collaboration between academia and industry can accelerate innovation, enterprise development and economic transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.
Titled From Laboratory to Marketplace: Bridging Industry and Academia for Innovation-Led Development, With Lessons for Nigeria and Africa, the forthcoming publication explores practical approaches to translating research findings and academic knowledge into commercially viable products, sustainable businesses, employment opportunities and shared prosperity.
The book addresses a critical development question: how can countries bridge the gap between knowledge creation and market application to ensure that research contributes meaningfully to economic growth? It examines the partnerships, policy frameworks and financing mechanisms required to strengthen the relationship between researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and the organised private sector.
Drawing on international experience and his professional engagement across investment promotion, public institutions and the private sector, Prof. Adesugba offers perspectives on building effective innovation ecosystems in which research institutions and businesses work together to develop solutions to real-world challenges and create economic value.
The publication is particularly relevant to Nigeria and other African economies seeking to strengthen local productive capacity, promote technology-driven entrepreneurship, improve industrial competitiveness and reduce the disconnect between academic research and the needs of the marketplace.
With a foreword by Engr. Umar Buba Bindir, PhD, the book is positioned as a resource for researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, business leaders and other stakeholders interested in harnessing knowledge, innovation and collaboration for sustainable development.
Prof. Adesugba’s forthcoming work reinforces the importance of closer engagement between academia and the organised private sector in creating an enabling environment for innovation, commercialisation and enterprise growth. Such collaboration can help unlock the economic potential of research, support the development of new industries and expand opportunities for job creation across Nigeria and Africa.
While the official publication details are expected to be announced in due course, the author has invited stakeholders and interested readers to stay connected for further information on the book’s release.
What Investors Need to KnowEffective collaboration between universities, research institutions and industry can create investment opportunities by turning research into commercially viable innovations. Stronger links among researchers, businesses, investors and policymakers can support enterprise growth, improve productivity and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to compete in innovation-driven markets.
Olayemi John-Mensah ACCI Media & Strategy Officer
