Research Universities : Drivers of Knowledge-driven Economy

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is a research university?

Wilhelm von Humboldt is considered pioneer of the modern research university, for he founded Humboldt University of Berlin .

Universities focusing primarily on research, offering  research programmes leading to doctoral degrees and are equipped with essential research infrastructures like modern libraries,  laboratories, can generally be categorized as research universities. Research universities espouse teaching and research. Such universities are also supposed to have faculty members with proven record of quality research. Some of the world’s most famous discoveries have been made through university research.

In this age of knowledge-driven economy, research universities are one of the most critical institutions for promoting science, applied research, invention and innovations. Countries with thriving research universities are better placed to gain in the international
market which is driven more by ideas and innovations. With the emergence of global university rankings, there is an increased interest in research universities, as research universities are a brand in itself because world’s top rated universities are also the best research universities.

What is a knowledge-driven economy?

Knowledge-driven economy is characterized by the recognition of knowledge as a source of competitiveness; the increasing importance of science, research, technology, and innovation in knowledge creation; and the use of computers and the Internet to generate, share, and apply knowledge. In such economies, a country’s growth and economic development depends on the quality, quantity and accessibility of information and knowledge rather than on physical or natural resources.

Where does India stand?

The primary thrust of universities in India has traditionally been on educating more number of  students rather than research. They are more centred around teaching rather than researching. The New Education Policy-2020 (NEP) has classified the higher educational institutions in three categories– research universities, teaching universities, and colleges.

It has also set a goal that about 100 institutions of higher education should be identified as research universities in the near future. Since funding has been one of the biggest handicap in achieving desired excellence in research, therefore, the  NEP has proposed creation of a National Research Foundation to support research in critical fields– technology, science, social science, arts and humanities. NEP exhorts all research universities to become multidisciplinary to reap the fruits of knowledge-driven economy. All these developments, are indicative of a brighter future for research universities in India, which in turn, shall improve the country’s standing in the knowledge-driven economy.

In the words of Philip G. Altbach, Research Professor and Founding Director of the Centre for International Higher Education, Boston College, USA, “The ‘stars are aligned’ for India to play an important part in the global knowledge system and to build world-class research universities. The talent exist, the need is clear, and there are some promising initiatives from the government”.

 

Md Shadan Zeb Khan