Research collaborations Group 8

Requisites Identifying people who have broad mutual interests Zeroing in on specific research problems Agreeing on modalities/scope etc Availability of resources and readiness to share them Institutional support (Academic freedom, interest etc)

Challenges Time Pitching the idea Common language medium (for communication) Research problem’s local context and lack of relevance for international collaboration Structural institutional differences Funding (including FCRA etc) Lack of commonality in academic approach Attitudinal issues (lack of initiative, hesitation, lack of flexibility) Lack of confidence in one’s idea Priority issues (Research as a luxury when you have more pressing issues)

opportunities Increased awareness Improved internationalization More resources available More contact opportunities (conferences etc) Research database widely available Greater thrust on higher education and research More dense research network Joint publications, twinning, student exchange etc