Bahir Dar University has officially launched the Research and Innovation Information Management System (RIIMS), a comprehensive digital platform designed to strengthen the University's research, innovation, technology transfer, and community engagement activities through modern information technology and data-driven decision-making.

The system was developed by the University's ICT experts in close collaboration with the Research and Community Engagement Office and the ICT Directorate. RIIMS aims to enhance institutional efficiency, improve data quality, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and support evidence-based decision-making by integrating research and innovation management processes into a single digital platform.

During the orientation session, system development experts Mr. Aginchew Nega and Mr. Abraham Debas presented the technical architecture, workflow design, and practical functionalities of the system. They explained that RIIMS manages the entire research and innovation lifecycle, including proposal submission and approval, reviewer assignment and evaluation, project initiation and monitoring, budget administration, reporting, publication management, innovation registration, patent and technology transfer tracking, and community impact assessment.

The presenters further highlighted key features of the system, including Role-Based Access Control, Workflow Automation, Document Management, Notification and Monitoring Systems, Performance Dashboards, Research Analytics, and Decision Support Tools. These features are expected to strengthen institutional governance, strategic planning, and performance monitoring.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Enyew Adgo, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement, emphasized that Bahir Dar University is transitioning from traditional research management practices to a Digital Research Ecosystem. He noted that RIIMS provides a critical foundation for strengthening research capacity, transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions, and converting knowledge generation into tangible economic and social value.

Professor Enyew further stated that the system will support researchers in securing externally funded projects, efficiently managing performance data, and demonstrating research impact through measurable outcomes.

Similarly, Professor Netsanet Fentahun, Research Corporate Director, described RIIMS as a strategic digital infrastructure that will significantly enhance the University's research productivity, innovation performance, technology transfer activities, and community impact through effective data management and monitoring.

The launch of RIIMS marks a major milestone in Bahir Dar University's ongoing digital transformation journey, shifting research and innovation management from fragmented processes to an integrated, data-driven, measurable, and sustainable system.