Of value and systems

Success depends on discoveries being absorbed in institutions, polished further and implemented

When it comes to research, another year of lackluster efforts and ordinary performances is coming to an end. Before we blame it on the ongoing political crisis, let me remind us all that in the preceding three and half years, there had been nothing to show on the research front. The pre-2018 election big talk of emphasis on research, innovation, etc turned out to be empty rhetoric. All we got in nearly forty months was an ill-advised plan to convert the PM House into a university, a plan to invite some business leaders for an innovation conference, and other bizarre ideas. We did, however, get a public tussle between PM’s advisers and the HEC chairperson, and as always courts got involved to address yet another self-inflicted crisis. No surprise here, but post-April 2022, things have looked just as uninspiring.

I spoke to two colleagues whom I trust: one in government and one at a university about their ideas for 2023 and beyond. Despite their experience working in the public and the private sector, they both are able to rise above partisan politics and can resist the urge to shout, hurl slurs or sing praises of the leaders in high pitch. By way of background, both have worked in Pakistan for several decades, and have also had the opportunity to study and work abroad (in the UK and the US).

My friend involved in research said what we often hear from university colleagues: there is no interest of the government in research, funds are limited, and the culture of inquiry is broken. His suggestion for 2023? Work with students in small towns, solve local problems and create an indigenous approach to inquiry — one that is not tied to rankings or global fads.

My friend in the government, interestingly enough, agreed completely with the argument on government interest. He admitted immediately that there is no real interest in the government to fund research. It was not about lack of funds, but that those in government do not see any real value in funding research. There is little to gain politically from increasing HEC support, the party bases do not have interest in it, and while there is a strong moral argument, the economic argument for the short term is simply not there. He argued that people in the government do know that research can be an engine of innovation, it can create new jobs, it can decrease poverty, hunger and disease — but none of that is likely to happen in the current Pakistan.

Success on these aspirational goals depends on discoveries being absorbed in institutions, polished further and implemented. This friend gave the example of basic research. There is ample evidence that basic research is a high return investment, year after year. Yet, there is little reason for governments like ours to invest seriously in that effort. It is in part due to ignorance, and in part due to practical realities that new ideas and discoveries will not be able to translate into things that create (real or perceived) value for governments. Startup culture, both of my friends observed, is hardly the silver bullet for a variety of reasons — limited engagement with research, long-term value, etc. So, what could be done differently in 2023? My government friend here was in agreement with my friend at the university. His idea was to work with local governments and build a stronger on-the-ground coalition where universities were creating value for local communities. He also felt that our emphasis is on branding and rankings, or on following the latest trends. The government has no interest in that. Both agreed that for 2023 to be different, researchers have to speak not just the language of the people, but their output must be accessible to public sector partners.

I recognise that this is not an adequate sample of all views. Neither are these solutions revolutionary. Yet, what I got from my conversations is that there are smart, dedicated people, across party lines and in various sectors who are thinking about long-term and sustainable change. So my big hope for 2023? Be kind and listen to each other.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2022.

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