Paltry allocation for research in the universities

Universities are meant to bring forth new ideas and knowledge through comprehensive research. Research in the universities is aimed at sharing and advancing knowledge among scholars or those studying a discipline after careful examination of the existing evidence and schools of thought. In this process of knowledge-making, constructive dialogues are produced in the form of dissertations, research articles and scientific essays published in reputed journals internationally.

Not only is high-quality research of paramount importance, but the challenge also lies in how to transform this research into socioeconomic well-being, which can best be achieved by creating strong bonds between knowledge creators and knowledge consumers.

Unfortunately, the state of research in the seats of higher learning in Bangladesh is way below par. It is generally accepted that there is a serious dearth of research in Bangladesh’s universities. Pertinent observers have repeatedly stressed that quality research, especially in a fundamental or innovative field, has decreased tremendously at the university level.

The pathetic state of research allocation for universities was highlighted in a report published in The Business Post yesterday. The report, citing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) annual report on 150 universities, stated that the public universities allocate only 1.49 per cent of annual expenditure on research. The private universities fared only slightly better allocating 3.30 per cent. The dismal situation is starkly exposed when one takes into account the fact that educationists believe that universities should spend at least 10 per cent on research activities. What is even more alarming, as many as 35 universities spent absolutely nothing on research.

Only one seat for tertiary education, Brac University, is a shining exception to this unfortunate trend. The university spent Taka 55 crore or 16.1 per cent of its allocation on research. According to the report, Brac University alone spent Taka 55 crore, while the top five research expenditures of five public universities were a meagre 26 crore.

The lack of research expenditure in public universities is deplorable, to say the least. Not only is the trend apparent in general universities, but in specialised universities too, research is also taking a backseat. For instance, Bangladesh Agricultural University's total expenditure was Tk 306.10 crore in 2020, while it spent Tk 6.19 or just 2 per cent of the total expenditure on research. The university has accomplished some ground breaking research over the years. It can be safely said that much more can be achieved if there is more allocation for research work.

In this country, the emphasis in the tertiary education centres has been mostly on teaching and not on research. There was hardly any effort undertaken to turn the universities in this country into research-based ones. We believe that Bangladesh’s leading universities like the DU and the BUET should by now have given priority to research.

Bangladesh does not lack creative or innovative minds. There is a need for inventing solutions to the special kinds of problems facing the country. Universities and institutes must take lead in research on these issues in the interest of the nation's well-being.

University-industry collaboration in Bangladesh is conspicuous by its absence. University-industry partnerships can play a vital role in the nation's innovation system. Key challenges in the country's economic development are weak links between centres of science and technology and the production sector. University-industry collaboration can boost research in the universities. In developed countries, universities have developed a legacy of collaboration with the corporate world which finances research.

Be that as it may, in most discussions regarding the issue, lack of adequate funding and proper facilities are cited as major reasons why research is not being conducted in this country on a large scale. There is no doubt that funds and adequate infrastructure are vital. However, they are not the only reasons behind the phenomenon. At times academics use the lack of funding as a convenient excuse for their failure or unwillingness to delve deep into their respective disciplines.