Assessment of Academic Research Utilization for National Development in Field of Environment

Abstract

Last few years has shown increased interest of researchers in knowledge and technology transfer. However facts show poor utilization of research into practice. This article focuses on assessment of academic research produced by highly qualified academicians working in universities in Sindh offering degrees in field of Environmental Sciences and Environmental Engineering. The article presents a methodology for assessment of academic research utilization for national development based on various criteria including purpose of research, funding bodies of research, relevancy of research with environmental issues, development mode of research, end users of research, mediator source for research utilization and intellectual property rights for research. This research is based on analysis of semi-structured interviews by using case study approach. Findings show that researchers have produced and published papers at larger number but very few of academic research have been utilized for national development. Academic research has been utilized by different national & international organizations (EPA, IUCN, WWF, SIDA, KDA). The research is utilized in the form of PhD thesis reports and other project reports funded by HEC, Universities and other national and international organizations. The outcomes of research utilization are either in form of new developed processes, services or policy guidelines under protection of copyrights. The findings also revealed co-operation of academicians with other stakeholders. However, none of the research has been utilized in the development of new Product or new technology under protection of industrial designs or patents.

Keywords: Academicians, Academic Research, Utilization, National Development