Ranked third in industry research, the institute is number one in many research areas like supply chain and energy.
US-based Pennsylvania State University plans to create a global engagement network (GEN) in partnership with various institutes across Asia. It is in talks with prominent institutes like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Manipal University, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, and Management Development Institute, Gurgaon, for a possible partnership for the network that is expected to take up research activities in the country on various issues.
“Penn State is a comprehensive research university which deals with almost every discipline of research. Our annual research expenditure is about $800 million. We are ranked third in industry research. We are an engine of transformation of society and not a university. We can bring this engine to India. We are number one in many research areas like supply chain, energy and we are in talks with many Indian institutes. Our idea is to select a few institutes, partner, and work deeply with them,” says Michael Adewumi, Vice Provost for Global Programs at Penn State University.
The global engagement network will have professors from all around the world to engage in collaborative and meaningful research. GEN would take shape to resolve global challenges. In India, however, clean and sustainable energy and solving the poverty issue are areas that could be looked at for research.
“With over 150 years of research experience behind us, our university is recognised for its research in alternate energy. We plan to work with participating countries on areas that they are strong in.
My faculty will not work with any institute in India if they are not interested in research,” adds Adewumi. Participating institutes, however, will have to bear the cost of research by themselves as the network is not setting aside any separate funds for the same.
“It's all about working together, developing a research culture and leveraging the concept and participation. Investment in research will benefit India as much as it would benefit China or any other country which would be part of the consortium,” says Adewumi.
As part of GEN, the participating universities will decide on any area of research that they wish to pursue. The universities would provide assistance to each other in the research areas selected. The network would introduce exchange programmes where one university could visit another for assistance in the area of research chosen.
Penn State, however, says it will not open campus in India as it does not wish to be in India and make money. “Our goal is to resolve global challenges. Opening a campus here does not solve our purpose. If we don't want to make money, we don't want to lose money either. If the business model permits us, we may look at other ventures like teacher training,” adds Adewumi.
