1. THE UNVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
VTDI -GRADUATION
Presenter: Wayne Wesley, Ph.D.
Executive Director
THE UNVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
RESEARCH CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
9a.m.

2. PREAMBLE: Members of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies
Other University of Technology, Jamaica Representatives
Graduate Students
Other Distinguished Guests
Good Morning!

3. Creating Solutions for Sustainable Development Through Research!
THEME:
Creating Solutions for Sustainable Development Through Research!
FOCUS:
Approach to research
Alignment of research and development
Publicising/sharing outputs

4. INTRODUCTION
It gives me great pleasure to share with you this morning.
We must celebrate the quality of research being done across all faculties of the University of Technology, Jamaica
We must acknowledge the contribution to the people and by extension the society!

5. The Research Agenda What is on the research agenda today?
What is on the agenda for UTECH?
Marijuana
Sour sop leaf - (i.e. used by generations of Jamaica to reduce high blood pressure down)
Fresh-cut (i.e. plant)
Banana and kerosene (i.e. from lamps)
Periwinkle and Sorrel (medicinal uses)

6. The Research Agenda
There are things that are placed on the agenda but there are others we ignore!!
Who sets the agenda?

7. THE APPROACH TO RESEARCH
WHY RESEARCH?
Unearth, expand, assess and provide some recommendations/solutions to a phenomenon
Identified trends/issues that may require policy attention
Improve linkages between institutions, groups, individuals and industries

8. THE APPROACH TO RESEARCH
WHY RESEARCH?
To assist the community and policy makers to implement strategies for sustainable development
Through research and development:
employment, training and other indicators can be identified

9. THE APPROACH TO RESEARCH
Infusion of science and technology
THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS
Universities/Colleges/HEART Trust/NTA
- research creates better scientists, engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers
- research provides solutions to problems
Government-review how national activities/ or non-activities can impact sustainable development
People-understand behaviour, culture, values which ultimately impact development

10. ALIGNMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
THE EVIDENCE
Our research should create impact for the country - that future generations can benefit
Our research should not only expand knowledge within respective fields but should have some commercial value which will further enhance growth and development (outcomes of applied research)

11. ALIGNMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Evidence:
Economic and social advancement
Positive impact on the country’s developmental agenda
Scientific and technological advancements
Product development and improvement

12. ALIGNMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Limitations
- Financial Constraints
Time (i.e. decades to complete research)
Educational levels ( STEM education critical to improving educational outcomes )

13. RESEARCH OUTPUT
Research is conducted under various conditions which do not facilitate complete thorough analysis
Despite the work accomplished through various research efforts, there is still need to do more research
Research must be critiqued

14. THE WAY FORWARD
Adhere to principles associated with research at all times- (i.e. validity, reliability)
- Avoid Observer’s Paradox
We can share knowledge as sharing may enhance our research (Public Sector Governance perspective)
Publish Findings

15. THE WAY FORWARD
Reaping the benefits of research requires a culture that promotes research, where institutions and organizations work together
Public-private sector partnership is a creative and sophisticated way of creating solutions toward achieving sustainable development

16. THE WAY FORWARD
Strengthen the capacity of local scientific and engineering institutions through partnerships to conduct the necessary research
Understanding impediments to sustainable development

17. THANK YOU!!