GlobalVillageSpace
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The output of scientific research if not directed and applied is paper publication. After research comes development and its application is followed by the commercialization of the products. While science consumes, its application which is technology, generates wealth. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, even technology has been monopolised by the scientists who do not know market forces. And product-driven research in Pakistan remains a pipe dream.
Scientists’ disregard for markets: Tea not being sold
As Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation (2002 to 2005), I hired the first MBA to work with the scientists to understand and prepare business plans. The concept of End-User was also introduced to ensure application of product-driven research in Pakistan. About forty collaborative projects were launched under this approach.
Read more: Pakistan’s disconnect between industry and research
Pakistan is the largest importer of tea in the world (around $0.5B per year). There is a National Tea Research Institute (NTRI) in Shinkiari (Near Mansehra), where tea has been successfully planted for about twenty years yet it was not being marketed. I drove to the institute to know the reason. Got a straight answer, ” We are scientists, our research has established the viability of growing and processing tea in the country but marketing is not our forte.” I respect their honesty.
I flew to Karachi to meet the Tea Association members who import and market the product in the country. Finally, I was able to convince Tapal (local tea brand) to market local green tea. Then we went for a land survey to identify suitable tea growing areas around Mansehra. The Government of AJK was more open to allow lease of forest land to grow tea. Large scale plantation has been started there, which needs to be expanded in other areas including Swat in KPK.
Read full article...
Pakistan: A sleeping technology giant
The output of scientific research if not directed and applied is paper publication. After research comes development and its application is followed by the commercialization of the products. While science consumes, its application which is technology, generates wealth. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, even technology has been monopolised by the scientists who do not know market forces. And product-driven research in Pakistan remains a pipe dream.
Scientists’ disregard for markets: Tea not being sold
As Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation (2002 to 2005), I hired the first MBA to work with the scientists to understand and prepare business plans. The concept of End-User was also introduced to ensure application of product-driven research in Pakistan. About forty collaborative projects were launched under this approach.
Read more: Pakistan’s disconnect between industry and research
Pakistan is the largest importer of tea in the world (around $0.5B per year). There is a National Tea Research Institute (NTRI) in Shinkiari (Near Mansehra), where tea has been successfully planted for about twenty years yet it was not being marketed. I drove to the institute to know the reason. Got a straight answer, ” We are scientists, our research has established the viability of growing and processing tea in the country but marketing is not our forte.” I respect their honesty.
I flew to Karachi to meet the Tea Association members who import and market the product in the country. Finally, I was able to convince Tapal (local tea brand) to market local green tea. Then we went for a land survey to identify suitable tea growing areas around Mansehra. The Government of AJK was more open to allow lease of forest land to grow tea. Large scale plantation has been started there, which needs to be expanded in other areas including Swat in KPK.
Read full article...
Pakistan: A sleeping technology giant
