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

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

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

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!

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

THANK YOU!!