Prof Dr Preethi Kesavan, Head, School of Technology at LSBF Singapore, discusses how to promote academic and inter-university research
As people make more professional changes, lifelong learning needs, such as recurring education and multidisciplinary competency will be a vital tool to help them navigate the change in employment demands and seek fulfilment via self-development. The International Year of Fundamental Sciences for Sustainable Development has been set for 2022.
The boundaries between research and discipline between universities are fluid, and important research questions are handled with an established disciplinary interface. Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) supports the establishment of the International Research Centre Initiative (WPI) to build “globally visible” research centres.
The number of Japanese winners in the three science categories has raised to 18, second to the United States, since the beginning of the twenty-first century. To maintain the long-term success of academic and fundamental research in Japan, it is necessary to continue to provide a variety of assistance and strengthen relevant measures. Basic research lays the groundwork for high-impact applications in fields as diverse as biology and manufacturing, allowing for societal change.
The journey towards revitalising universities
Industry, government, and significant academic contributions have long been lauded for their potential to revitalise universities and advance society, and there have been calls to improve and strengthen these efforts. Universities are important sources of knowledge for society, and because they generate highly specialised academics, they may help revitalise and strengthen cities, industries, and other sectors.
“Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) supports the establishment of the International Research Centre Initiative (WPI) to build “globally visible” research centres.”
There has been a surge in desire for inter-university research and industry, government and academic collaborations, in which institutions develop cooperative links in society to execute various initiatives, amid the big shifts occurring under the digital transformation.
The organisational environment is likely to have a substantial impact on scientists’ industrial activity. Scientists are more involved in research if they perceive their university has a strong entrepreneurial aim or a favourable policy climate.
Recognising the entrepreneurial attitude and policy framework of a university’s mission as crucial organisational qualities related to the university- industry connection. It is believed that being a part of an academic institution that fosters entrepreneurship will stimulate academics’ interest in knowledge dissemination.
