Retd VC laments dip in quality of research in the country

Even though the quantity of research works taken up in the country, is among the highest in the world, quality of the research works leaves a lot to be desired, said former vice-chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, S Bisalaiah, here on Friday.

He was speaking at the inaugural of a workshop on ‘Econometrics’, organised by the Department of Economics and Cooperation, University of Mysore.

When compared to China, India has a lot to achieve in the field of research. The premiere research institute of the country, Indian Institute of Science, is ranked 200 in the list of top research institutes of the world. The status of other research institutes and universities is also not good, he said.

Commenting on the economic development of United States of America, he said that new innovations contribute to 90 per cent of the developments in manufacturing sector of the country.

Banking exam

He said that of the candidates qualifying in banking examination, 80 per cent of them were from engineering background. Percentage of students of economics who qualify for the exams was less than two per cent, he said.

The success of engineering students in qualifying examinations related to economics shows that there was an integral relationship between physics and economics, he said.

“In order to revive studies in economics, concepts of pure sciences must be introduced to students of the subject. Noting this, Oxford University has introduced a combination of Physics, Mathematics and Economics in the courses offered. This will be an ideal combination for students who want to pursue further studies in economics,” he said.

He said that the advent of nano-science and technology has opened up new avenues of research in economics. It would be beneficial for students to take up research in nano economics, he said.