University research must go beyond academic publications and focus on solving real-world problems, promoting technological innovation and boosting industrial productivity, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed said on Sunday.
He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of the three-day Fifth International Conference on Innovations in Science, Engineering and Technology as the chief guest at International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC).
Mamun said the success of research should not be measured only by the number of academic papers published or citations received, but also by its contribution to developing new technologies, creating functional prototypes and securing intellectual property rights.
He said domestic industries remained heavily dependent on foreign technologies, software and consultancy services, despite the availability of skilled university teachers and researchers capable of developing local solutions.
Citing examples, he mentioned the automation of supply chain management at Chattogram Port, the introduction of artificial intelligence-based automation in the ready-made garment sector and improvements in power transmission systems.
The UGC chairman urged industries to invest in university laboratories and called on researchers to engage directly with industrial facilities to identify practical challenges and develop effective technological solutions.
He stressed the need for stronger partnerships between universities and industries so that research findings could be translated into practical applications and integrated into production processes.
Mamun said initiatives are underway to increase funding for applied research undertaken in collaboration with industries.
Efforts are also being made to connect Bangladeshi scientists with advanced international laboratories and global research networks to bring international knowledge and technology into local research.
He said the UGC is also planning to establish technology transfer offices at universities to protect intellectual property, secure patents for locally developed technologies and facilitate their licensing to industries.
Besides, initiatives are being taken to provide strategic grants for setting up startup incubators at universities, enabling students to turn innovative ideas into business ventures, develop entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of research and innovation in achieving the country's ambition of becoming a trillion-dollar economy and generating 1 crore high-value jobs over the next five years, Mamun said universities must be transformed into centres of knowledge, technology and innovation.
He also stressed the need to strengthen local technological capabilities through research and innovation in promising sectors, including information and communication technology (ICT), pharmaceuticals and other high-potential industries.