Barriers and Opportunities for Academic Research in Private Universities

Professor Sarwar Jahan :

A study on Barriers and Opportunities for Academic Research in Private Universities exposes the existing research culture in the private higher education sector in Bangladesh. Private universities in Bangladesh have become an essential part of the higher education landscape. However, despite their growth, these institutions face numerous challenges in fostering a robust academic research culture. This study delves into diagnosing the barriers that are hindering academic research and finding out the opportunities available to overcome these challenges to ensure a good research culture in the private universities of Bangladesh.
One of the primary challenges faced by the private universities in Bangladesh is the lack of adequate financial resources allocated for research. Unlike public universities, private universities often struggle to secure government grants or substantial funding from external sources. Besides, private universities rely heavily on students’ tuition fees as their primary source of income, leaving limited funds for research and development activities. This results in inadequate investment in research infrastructure and faculty development.
Many private universities in Bangladesh lack dedicated research centers or institutes where faculties and students can engage in focused, interdisciplinary research. Very often, there is limited access to global academic databases, journals, and libraries due to high subscription costs. These hamper faculty and students’ access to up-to-date research and academic resources to engage themselves in intended research activity. Moreover, the universities that focus on science and technology education remarkably fall short of laboratory and equipment facilities as of international standards.
Additionally, faculty members in private universities are often burdened with heavy teaching loads, leaving them with little time to conduct research. Many private universities emphasize teaching over research, where faculty members are incentivized primarily by students’ evaluations rather than their research output. Faculty members are to juggle teaching responsibilities and administrative duties, which further reduce their time and energy available for research activities.
Though methodological orientation is one of the pre-conditions of research activity, many faculty members in private universities lack sufficient training in research methodologies, academic writing, and grant application processes which result in poor research output. Furthermore, the scarcity of seasoned researchers and research mentors also limits the development of a strong research culture within these institutions.
Another crucial challenge of academic research at this sector is that private universities are often perceived more as teaching institutions rather than research centers. This cultural mindset negatively inhibits the development of a research-driven environment here. Besides, there is a limited reward system for faculty and students who engage in research activities. The absence of recognition, awards, or incentives for research can de-motivate potential researchers.
Also, private universities of Bangladesh face various regulatory challenges related to research. Lack of clear supportive policies regarding research and funding often makes it difficult for these institutions to expand their research capacity. Private universities often find themselves excluded from key funding programs and policies that promote research and innovation whereas public universities easily receive significant government support for research and extension.
But, recently, the government has begun to recognize the importance of research in higher education. Policies and programs such as research grants and collaborations with the private sector can provide opportunities for funding and resource-sharing. Collaboration between the government and private universities can improve research outcomes. For example, government initiatives like the National Science and Technology Fellowship Program could be extended to private universities, providing more research grants and support.
Private universities can leverage international partnerships with universities and research institutions to gain access to funding, resources, and expertise. Exchange programs, joint research initiatives with public universities, and collaborative projects can foster knowledge transfer and increase research capacity. Moreover, Private universities can engage in global research networks to participate in large-scale, multi-country research projects, gaining recognition and resources for their research contributions.
By establishing dedicated research centers and specialized institutes, private universities can enhance their research capabilities. These centers can foster collaboration among the students and faculties and focus on specific fields of study, leading to impactful research outcomes. Investment in research databases and digital platforms can provide faculties and students with the necessary resources to conduct high-quality research. Partnerships with international publishers can offer access to a wider range of journals and academic materials. Additionally, private universities can collaborate with industries to upgrade lab facilities and enhance the scope for research in the sciences and technology fields.
Private universities can invest in professional development programs that provide faculties with research methodology training, research writing skills, and grant proposal writing. Regular workshops and training programs can enhance faculty research productivity. Creating more opportunities for doctoral and post-doctoral research fellowships may also help strengthen the research output and improve faculty qualifications in the long run.
Developing an incentive system for research excellence, such as research awards, funding for high-impact research, and publishing incentives, can encourage faculties to engage more in academic research. Establishing university-run journals and providing support for publishing in international journals can motivate faculty and students to publish their research and contribute to the academic community. Online platforms and digital tools for research collaboration can help private universities connect with researchers globally, share findings, and work together on joint research projects. The increasing use of e-learning platforms in academia can also expand research activity, enabling faculty and students to access online courses, seminars, and conferences that enhance their research skills. Encouraging interdisciplinary research between different departments and fields can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems. Private universities can create collaborative environments that allow researchers to work across disciplines, fostering innovation.
Moreover, universities can form stronger collaborations with local industries and businesses to conduct applied research that addresses real-world challenges, ultimately benefiting both the academic and industrial sectors. The academic research landscape in private universities of Bangladesh is confronted with a variety of barriers, including financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, heavy faculty workload, and limited access to research resources.
However, there are significant opportunities to overcome these challenges. By fostering government-private sector collaboration, enhancing research infrastructure, investing in faculty development, and incentivizing research output, private universities in Bangladesh can create an environment conducive to high-quality academic research. Furthermore, strengthening international partnerships, leveraging technology, and promoting interdisciplinary research can contribute to a more vibrant and productive research culture in these institutions.
By addressing these barriers and capitalizing on the available opportunities, private universities in Bangladesh can enhance their role in academic research, contributing to national development and global academic discourse.

(The writer is a Professor Interdisciplinary Studies & Founder Southern University)