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December 2009
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From the Principal: Raising the research bar
Knowledge has taken on a more central role in modern approaches to economic development. Large payoffs from new knowledge, especially where there is patent protection, encourage entrepreneurs, industries and government agencies to invest in research and innovation, with intellectual leadership and technical support from universities and research centres. Knowledge as a product is premised on an economic theory of abundance, rather than scarcity, as is the case with natural resources that can become depleted over time. In fact, information, knowledge, innovation and technology can be shared exponentially and further developed and grown through awareness and application. The concept of location can either be dispersed by using technology or reinforced with a deliberate strategy to intensify the concentration of knowledge via the creation of research centres, science and technology parks and business clusters. My CHOGM message, while addressing the issues of knowledge, research and innovation at the macro level, was reinforced by my own commitment as Campus Principal, to advancing the research and innovation imperative for the St. Augustine Campus. With research and innovation as one of the core strategic areas in the 2007-2012 Strategic Plan of The University of the West Indies, we have begun reviewing our approach as we move towards increasing the relevance, impact and recognition of the work we do at all levels. Clustering our research into a few, targeted multi-disciplinary areas will allow us to focus our expertise and resources in a concerted manner, and serve as an incubator for new ideas and knowledge that support policy formulation, innovation systems and development at all levels. As a regional university, we are well positioned to lead in this area and will continue to enhance our research agenda, strengthen our research networks, and actively pursue research grants, which together will support vigorous research and scholarly activity, the cross fertilization of ideas and the development of innovation systems that are central to knowledge-based economies.
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As moderator of a panel discussing current challenges for economic growth at the Business Forum that was part of last month’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), I took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of developing knowledge-based economies.