The need for a clear research agenda

Private Universities in Bangladesh Should Articulate a Clear Research Agenda

On June 2, 2022, speaking at the first convocation of Varendra University in Rajshahi, Education Minister Dipu Moni stated, “Universities both public and private should be turned into hubs of research for generating a knowledgeable and competent nation-building workforces.” On June 5 this year, she took a bolder step by stating that the University Grants Commission (UGC) should allow PhD degrees in private universities, which are at the forefront of education and research, mentioning that there are some private universities that have this capability.

This is indeed a refreshing tone emanating from the education ministry, serving as the backbone of a nation boldly striding towards the upper-middle-income status. It is also expected to spur the growth of quality research in public universities, fuelled by competitive instincts. Exciting as the news is for private universities, a few selected ones at the beginning, the success of this venture with untold benefits will depend on a clear and bold research agenda.

A Strategic Imperative for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A well-articulated research agenda for private universities is essential for several strategic reasons. It goes beyond providing research funding and serves as a guiding framework, enabling the institutions to align research goals with broader national and global priorities. This alignment is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

A thoughtful research agenda is a strategic imperative that can contribute to the overall development and competitiveness of Bangladesh on the global stage. Formulating such an agenda will require intense collaboration between academia and the government, not a top-down approach. Such a model can be extended to industry-academy partnerships also. The agenda must be consistent with research capacity at the university level, weakened substantially by years of brain drain. To fill this gap, partnerships ought to be developed with the diaspora community.

Relevance to National Development Goals

A well-articulated agenda ensures that university research is closely aligned with the country’s broader developmental objectives. This alignment transforms the institutions as strategic partners in development, connects their research meaningfully to the evolving needs and challenges facing the nation, and enhances the relevance of the institutions. The stark absence of such coordination today between universities and the government’s priorities needs serious attention.

At the same time, such coordination would enable policymakers to assess the impact of private universities on overarching national priorities. This would also ensure that research endeavors at the universities are not isolated and disjointed but contribute meaningfully to the country’s development trajectory.

Policy Formulation and Implementation

Policymakers, partnering with the universities, can benefit from a clear research agenda that drives evidence-based investigations for informed decision-making. Articulating research priorities can help establish important performance indicators, which can be monitored and evaluated to assess the impact of research on policy outcomes. This can also nurture the growth of a culture of evidence-based governance that is built up in stages to aid policy circles.

Strategic Resource Allocation

The current practice of allocating fixed amounts to research studies is outdated and fails to promote significant research. By channeling resources efficiently into targeted research initiatives, a stated agenda must outline big blocks for funding, such as bridging the

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• SDG 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of PhD degrees offered by private universities (indicator for SDG 4.3)
• Research funding allocation by the University Grants Commission (indicator for SDG 9.5)
• Number of research partnerships between academia and government/private sector (indicator for SDG 17.16)

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Based on the article, the issues discussed are connected to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The specific targets identified are SDG 4.3, SDG 9.5, and SDG 17.16.

The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are the number of PhD degrees offered by private universities (indicator for SDG 4.3), research funding allocation by the University Grants Commission (indicator for SDG 9.5), and the number of research partnerships between academia and government/private sector (indicator for SDG 17.16).

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: thedailystar.net

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