Positioning Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania in the Systems of Innovation Perspective

The chronological development of universities ranges from the state at which universities are considered to be knowledge accumulators followed by knowledge factories and finally the knowledge hubs. The various national systems of innovations are aligned with the knowledge hubs and it involves a substantial amount of research activities. The newly established Mbeya University of Science and Technology is recognised as a knowledge hub in some particular niches. However, there are a limited number of research activities conducted at the university and this study is an attempt to identify the reasons that limit research activities. Well-structured research questionnaires were designed and distributed to academic staff members and thereafter the respondents were analysed by using SPSS software package. The lack of knowledge, skills and funds as well as equipment was earmarked as the reason that hindered the research activities. Therefore, resources are required to improve the capabilities of the staff members and the study recommends on the need for deliberate efforts to improve the knowledge of the staff members with respect to research activities.