Why Do Indian Universities Lag Behind in Research & Innovation?

Again, none of the Indian universities could make it to the top 200 universities of the world. In the World University Ranking 2013-14 released by The Times Higher Education, California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California topped the list with overall score of 93 followed by the University of Oxford, Harvard University and Stanford University. Peking University, China is ranked 1 from the BRICS and emerging economies. But there is some relief for India in this category. Panjab University, Chandigarh is ranked no. 13 among universities in emerging economies, thanks to its (Panjab University) sustained focus on research which has given it an edge over the IITs in the Ranking. The World University Ranking—based on 13 performance indicators grouped in five categories, namely, teaching learning environment; research volume and reputation; research influence—clearly indicates the deplorable condition of research in Indian universities. But have we ever given a serious thought on why do Indian universities perform so poorly on global university rankings? Where do Indian universities lag behind— in research, or in academic infrastructure or in teaching-learning methodology?

Indian education system suffers from multiple problems. Vinay Rai, an ace entrepreneur and advisor to Rai Foundation opines that research and teaching methodology at Indian universities are archival and obsolete. He says, “Indian universities totally depend on rote learning, and there is hardly any interactive discussions and exchange of new thoughts among the students and debates on what are possible outcomes using new paradigms in an ever evolving and changing world.” Indian universities have exceedingly weak research infrastructure. Beside this, there are no motivational factors for students to pursue research as a career option. For example, the IITs churn out world-class engineering graduates. But in the World University Ranking 2013-14, they ranked way below Panjab University.  Why? Firstly, the IITs give more emphasis to education over research; Secondly, lack of focus on fundamental research; and thirdly, inadequate funding and motivational factors. According to an estimate, India spends around $8 billion on research whereas the US and China spend over $250 billion and $60 billion respectively every year. Due to government policies and regulations, universities also find it difficult to retain or hire better talents in academics, which further worsen the situation. Vinay Rai, Educationist says, “In such an atmosphere, innovation and research are the biggest casualties.”

Source : One India Education

Since the 1990s, China and Taiwan have done remarkably well in higher education. Both the nations worked with missionary zeal to develop world-class universities over the period of 10 to 20 years. So being in the league of the best universities is not something which cannot be achieved; what is needed it to attract best brains from the world over, to encourage industry - academia partnership in research and development; to identify universities with potential to excel and nurture them to become globally competitive; and to design the academic system in line with the global demand. Vinay Rai Educationist says, “If we have to be world class then the entire structure of teaching has to be made innovative where research methodologies are encouraged and imbibed in not only engineering subjects but also in arts, sciences, applied arts and vocational courses. Beside this, learning in universities has to be more student-centric rather than teacher centric and the university curriculums have to be dynamic, changing with the times and not just reaped their history.”