Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC)

About DRIC

Like any other universities world-wide, the Copperbelt University (CBU) has identified Research, Innovation, Industrialization and Commercialization as cornerstone for national, regional, and international economic development. In its quest to contribute towards the knowledge based and innovation-driven economy, and to promote technology transfer and commercialization of the research products, the CBU established the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) on Wednesday, 13th December 2016. In order to strengthen the commercialization of its research products, the university under DRIC also established a Technology Management Office (TMO) to help it translate its research outputs into inventions and innovations. This is consistent with the mission of the University which is: “to contribute to the development and sustenance of the wellbeing of the people of Zambia and the world through the provision of flexible, innovative, entrepreneurial, and inclusive programmes of teaching, learning, research and service”. In line with the Vision and Mission of CBU, the Directorate is responsible for the affairs of research, innovation, internationalization and partnerships on behalf of the University.

To actualize this broad mission, the DRIC was established with the following Objectives;

  • To promote high-impact research in evolving thematic areas of national importance, scholarship and society development.
  • To identify and advise Senate and the Management on strategic research priorities, research facilities and infrastructure to support excellent research
  • To facilitate a vibrant research environment that develops good research practice, publication culture and research integrity by creating strategies, policies and processes that ensure sustainability.
  • To establish a mechanism for the promotion of research and development of indigenous innovations/knowledge and product with the aim of generating spin-offs and Intellectual Property (IP) rights;
  • To assist and facilitate academic collaborations and industrial interactions with local, national and international organizations/institutions and establish a data bank for all partnerships and externally funded research and development project.
  • To be a repository of resources by establishing a database that will collate, collect, store, process and disseminate information on research, publications, innovation and networks for the benefit of the University community and others; and
  • To promote entrepreneurship, technology-transfer and commercialization activities that energize and support the local and national economy