Universities’ Contribution to the Creation and Diffusion of Innovation in Punjab, Pakistan: Exploring the Industries’ Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/qjss.799713574Keywords:
Collaboration, Creation, Developing Countries, Diffusion, InnovationAbstract
The 21st-century economy thrives on rapid innovation, yet Pakistani universities lag in fostering an innovative ecosystem amid technological advancements. This study investigates the contribution of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to innovation creation and diffusion in Pakistan from the industry's perspective, an area previously unexplored. Primary data was collected through in-depth face-to-face interviews of directors, CEOs, and entrepreneurs from export-driven industries in Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad. Thematic analysis was employed using NVivo 14 software. Findings reveal that most research conducted by Pakistani universities is primarily theoretical, outdated, and disconnected from current industrial needs. A lack of university-industry collaboration and the absence of effective public sector intermediaries further hinder technology transfer. This gap between academic research and industrial application stifles innovation diffusion. The study underscored that Pakistani universities are not effectively contributing to the creation and diffusion of innovation necessary for economic advancement. To bridge this gap, Universities should involve industrial representatives in their boards of studies and coordinate policy interventions from government organizations and universities to foster demand-driven research addressing specific industrial needs. Such collaborative efforts will enhance trust, spur innovation, and benefit HEIs, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), and policymakers as they work to improve academia's impact on Pakistan's innovation landscape.
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