Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) hosted a high-level engagement focused on testing an institutional capability framework (ICF) being developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The ICF provides a structured way for institutions to understand their capability for knowledge and technology transfer (K/TT). The framework is meant to encourage institutions to reflect on how formal decisions, lived experience and observed outcomes align in practice, rather than measuring performance through rankings or compliance-driven assessments.

The authors of the ICF, Dr Michael Mbogoro, head of the technology transfer section of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Prof. Fazilet Vardar, vice-president of USIMP and board member of the Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP), visited the North-West University (NWU) as part of the proof-of-concept stage of the ICF development. They engaged with the TTIS, the RPS, NWU Enterprises and a senior researcher/innovator to capture multiple perspectives.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr Janine Chantson, TTIS chief director, emphasised the value of the engagement for the institution.

“TTIS was honoured to welcome Dr Michael Mbogoro and Prof. Fazilet Vardar. Their visit provided a valuable opportunity for meaningful reflection on how our institutional structures, practices and lived experiences shape technology transfer outcomes at the NWU,” she said.

These discussions highlighted both existing strengths and opportunities for further development and refinement of the ICF for piloting later in 2026.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of the NWU TTIS to continuous learning, institutional ownership and strategic improvement in knowledge and technology transfer. As universities increasingly face pressure to translate research into societal and economic impact, the engagement underscored the importance of context-sensitive frameworks that recognise complexity and underlying dynamics in driving sustainable innovation outcomes.

For more information on intellectual property and innovation support at the NWU, visit TTIS: https://services.nwu.ac.za/technology-transfer-and-innovation-support/h…

Prof. Fazilet Vardar, Dr Michael Mbogoro and Dr Janine Chantson