The University instructively acknowledges and more importantly, takes sance of the explicit relationship between research, innovation and consultancy. In this respect, providing operational definitions to demarcate the areas of overlap and independence are important for developing its Research Policy. Thus, for the avoidance of doubt, the following definitions/explanations have been adopted for the operationalization of the Research Policy. 

Unsolicited Research

This is in two categories. The first relates to scientific inquiry initiated and wholly funded by an academic faculty in the University. The second evolves as a result of a faculty submitting a research proposal to an organization, a group or individual for support beyond the proposed areas. For the purposes of this Research Policy, the second case shall be considered as a Research Grant if contractual funds are received for the conduct of the research. 

Research Grant 

This refers to contractual funds received to conduct scientific inquiry either from the University or an external institution or individual. Grants received for research are geared to deepen our understanding of a phenomenon and advance the frontiers of knowledge. Funding received is premised on the view that academic faculty need either financial or technical support to engage in their research activities. The implicit assumption is that some level of commitment in the form of counterpart funding either from the faculty or the University is expected. 

Research Contract 

This refers to contractual funds received by faculty of the University to conduct scientific inquiry. Research contracts are targeted at addressing a specific concern of an entity. The entity seeking the services of an academic faculty expressly spells out the terms of reference. This implies that research contracts are tied to specific deliverables and timelines. Failure to deliver has legal implications both for the academic faculty involved and the University. 

Consultancy 

This refers to services including research, training and advisory activities demanded by either an external or internal entity from a faculty in the University. The engagement in this service attracts a commercial fee for both the faculty involved and the University. Faculty using resources of the University shall expressly seek permission from the University through DRIC. In such a circumstance, the entity demanding the service shall financially compensate the University for the use of its resources as enshrined in the University of Cape Coast’s Consultancy Policy, Section 14, sub-section 14.4 and 14.6. 

While the link between consultancy and research grant/contract is duly recognized (see Figure One), this Research Policy focuses on Unsolicited Research, Research Grants and Research Contracts. In a separate document, the guidelines on the consultancy engagements in the University have been documented (University of Cape Coast Consultancy Policy). 

Innovation 

This refers to a discovery of any new idea or devise emanating from a scientific inquiry or a technological creativity or intervention. 

Intellectual Property 

This refers to legal rights resulting from the creation of the mind, which leads to inventions, scientific discoveries, literary and artistic works. 

Figure One: Types of Research and Linkages with Consultancy and Innovation