WHY TO BUILD A RESEARCH ORIENTED CULTURE?

BY SAADIA MUSHTAQ*

INTRODUCTION

Problems and crises are a part and parcel of every society. But developing countries are more prone to problems, conflicts and crises. Unfortunately Pakistan belongs to the community of developing countries and hence is entangled in a number of problems. Thus, there arises a need to solve these issues.

Problem solving at the first stage requires a close study of the issue, its analysis and then recommendations and suggestions to the policy makers. However, the study and analysis of critical issues demand education and a penchant for research and development. But in Pakistani society we find few people interested in this field, for example, our science and technology manpower engaged in research and development is only 112 per million population, which is one – third of what is recommended by UNESCO for developing countries.1

It is time to understand that Pakistan cannot progress until and unless its people are genuinely interested in solving huge problems by themselves through adopting a scientific approach.

In these days, facts are demanded by every one and for every purpose. To some extent every activity of modern life is governed by results of consultation of books and periodicals. 2

Thus, it is high time to adopt a more scientific, logical, systematic and organized approach towards critical and unresolved issues. This can only be done if we develop a culture, which puts emphasis on research.

HOW TO BUILD RESEARCH CULTURE IN PAKISTAN?

1. IMPARTING EDUCATION

Before emphasizing the importance of education it is necessary to glance at the figures available about the literacy rate in Pakistan. "In 1998, the latest year for which figures are available 42% of Pakistan men aged 15 are illiterate, a shocking 71% of women could not read or write.3

In a society of illiterate how can we expect a culture of research to flourish. Thus, to have a research oriented society there is a need to make people more responsive towards education.

1. " Human Resources development" Dawn ( Karachi) 15 May, 2000.

2. Elliot Gatner, Research and Report Writing ( New York, Barnes and Nobel INC, 1959) p.1.

3. Shahid Javed Burki, " Top Priority to Education" Dawn ( Karachi) 22 September,2000.

Growth of research culture requires a rise in standard of education, from primary to higher level. The textbooks published by Education Board are of very low standard. I still remember, that in class 10^th we were taught " how an electric bell functions"

The problem is not just limited to quality of textbooks, or educational institutions. In Pakistan we do not find good research journals. Only one or two journals can be rated as of international standard. Take a look at the bibliography of any book on economic development. We will not find many citations from books or paper authored by Pakistani. 4

In addition to upgrading the educational standard, primary and secondary education must be compulsory and free of cost. But as in the West, higher education should not only be optional, but only for limited people who are really interested in education and willing to contribute in their respective fields.

2. PROVIDING GOVERNMENT PATRONAGE

The second most important requirement is support of the Government. This support is of two types:

(a) FINANCIAL SUPPORT

 Though research allocation has increased from Rs.98.1 million to Rs.2805.9 million in the 2000-2001 budget, Pakistan still ranks lowest in research funds per scientist and on per capita income.5 To promote research, funds should be reallocated and defense expenditure should be cut down. Though, cutting defense and other expenditure is difficult but one way out would be to enforce stricter monitoring of all government projects in general and asking  state owned organizations, to minimize waste and excessive expenditure.

Higher allocation for science and education not only make a more enlightened and progressive society possible, they are also often the driving force behind economic powers like the US. , Japan, EU. 6

(b) PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT

Government should encourage scientists and researchers by awarding them medals and shields.  For a researcher there should be no retiring age. Old researchers must be provided honorary positions in their departments. Their  salary structure should be changed and fringe benefits must be provided.

3. LEADERSHIP  IN RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

Even if funds are available for research, in most cases 95% of the amount allocated is spend on establishment charges and very little remains to be spend on R&D activities.7 Research Institutes should be headed by able people, so that they can channelize funds in the right direction and can recognize persons who possess highest intellectual curiosity and are willing to contribute in their fields.

4. UPGRADING RESEARCH INSTITUTES

Existing research institutes should be upgraded and the ones who are parasitic in nature and produce nothing constructive should be abolished. There are over 500 institutes in Pakistan engaged in one or another type of research. In most cases, these are institutions on papers with little contribution to any economic goal 8. It is time to say goodbye to them .

5. CONTROLLING BRAIN DRAIN

We should stop export of human capital to the developed world. The environment should be made conducive and encouraging for the academics so that they may feel interested in working in their own country. Talented Pakistani working in top research institutes in developed countries  should be offered first rate working facilities and salary structure to lure them, to offer their services for their motherland.

6. COLLABORATING WITH FOREIGN RESERCH INSTITUTES

Collaboration with foreign research institutes or agencies will foster culture of research. Some prominent institutes or agencies that can help Pakistan in this cause are Ford Foundation and UNESCO.

7. IMPROVING RESEARCH LIBRARIES

Usually the libraries in Pakistan are not up to-date. New and revised editions of many of the books are not available. As a result, the knowledge of a researcher remains incomplete and sometimes  obsolete.

8. USING THE PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA

The new studies, which come forward, should be provided for dissemination. This step will encourage new researchers to come forward. Competition and efficiency will increase among the academics. The interviews of scientists should be telecast or broadcast. Documentaries on their research  must be aired, to benefit general public and encourage up coming and fresh intellectuals.

9. TRAINING MAN POWER  

Special training should be given to those interested in research and development. This training can be imparted by teaching specialized courses on Research Methodology, holding seminars and periodic meetings of scholars and researchers, where young researchers can learn how to do research and share their problems with experienced people.

CONCLUSION

Since, Pakistani society offers a wide scope of research, indigenous  people should be encouraged to work on their political, economic, social, psychological, and scientific issues. It is not that we lack skilled and intelligent people. After all our nuclear tests have proved that  our people are brilliant and sharp. The problem is that these people belong to a society, which does not pamper them, but rather try to hamper their efforts and abilities.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS

1. Good, Carter  and Scates, Douglas, Methods of Research: Educational, Psychological, Sociological (New York: Appleton Century Crofts Inc.).

2. Gatner, Elliot, Research & Report Writing (New York: Barnes & Noble Inc, 1959).

* Student, M.A (Final) Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.

All content (C) Department of International Relations, Karachi University

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