Higher Education Commission rankings expose research gaps

Seven universities in Punjab figure in highest category

LAHORE:

A Higher Education Commission's (HEC) self-assessment evaluation report has raised questions about the research direction and innovation capacity of Punjab's major universities as several long-established government institutions failed to secure top rankings despite years of public funding, large faculty networks and extensive academic infrastructure.

The evaluation reviewed 95 universities across the country under the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC) framework, which examines institutional performance in governance, industrial collaboration, patents and startup development.

While only seven universities in Punjab managed to achieve the highest "W" category, several key institutions remained confined to lower performance brackets, exposing what education experts describe as a widening gap between academic claims and practical research impact.

Among Punjab's universities, only The University of Lahore and University of Agriculture Faisalabad succeeded in entering the top category. The University of Punjab and Lahore College for Women University were placed in the Y category, while University of Sargodha remained in the X category, reflecting weaker performance in commercialisation, innovation planning and industrial engagement.

Punjab hosts some of Pakistan's oldest and largest universities that have traditionally been considered the backbone of the country's higher education system.

Analysts argue that despite comparatively strong infrastructure and larger student populations, several universities in the province continue to lag behind in areas considered essential in modern higher education.

Education experts believe the findings highlight a structural issue in public sector universities where conventional academic practices continue to dominate, while innovation-driven research remains limited. According to analysts, universities are increasingly judged globally not merely through publications and degrees but through patents, technology transfer, startup incubation, industrial partnerships and measurable economic contribution.

A senior academic associated with a government university in Lahore remarked, "Most universities still function within outdated administrative models. Research offices exist formally, but many lack operational independence, funding and strategic planning. Institutions continue producing research papers but practical innovation and commercialisation remain weak."

Another professor linked the weak performance of Punjab's universities to worsening financial instability across campuses. According to him, repeated budget shortages and operational crises have affected research productivity.

"When universities are struggling to manage salaries, pensions, electricity bills and development expenditures, research naturally becomes a secondary priority. Laboratories require modernisation, innovation requires investment and international collaboration demands financial stability. Many institutions are currently operating under severe economic pressure," he said.

The evaluation also revealed an imbalance between research activities and available funding. The participating universities submitted 9,987 research proposals during FY2024-25, showing a substantial increase compared to previous years. However, only a small percentage of the proposals were approved because of limited financial resources and growing competition among institutions.

Education analysts say this funding imbalance is creating frustration among researchers and young faculty members who struggle to secure grants for scientific and technological projects. Several academics believe the situation discourages long-term innovation and pushes universities toward routine academic output instead of impactful research.

The report also highlighted administrative concerns regarding ORIC structures. According to HEC data, only 68% universities have full-time ORIC heads, while many continue operating through temporary arrangements. Experts argue that inconsistent leadership weakens institutional continuity and affects research strategy and commercialisation planning.

Critics argue that many universities in Punjab remain disconnected from industry and the private sector. While they continue organising seminars, conferences and academic activities, their ability to transform research into patents, business solutions and commercially viable products remains limited.

An education researcher said universities in developed countries contribute to industrial growth and technological advancement whereas many Pakistani institutions function primarily as degree-awarding bodies.

"The global university model has changed completely. Research is now linked with economic productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, many universities here still operate within traditional academic boundaries," he said.

The rankings also carry financial implications. Universities placed in higher categories receive larger research overhead grants, allowing them to strengthen innovation infrastructure and research management systems. Analysts warn that weaker performing institutions may face greater financial and academic challenges.

The report also highlighted improving performance of some private universities.