Transforming private universities in Bangladesh into research driven institutions: barriers, opportunities, and strategic pathways

Abstract

Academic research plays a vital role in generating knowledge, fostering innovation, and supporting national development. This study investigates the barriers, opportunities, and strategies for promoting sustainable research in private universities in Bangladesh. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining interviews with university leaders, faculty members, administrative staff, and policy experts, along with a survey of academic staff from various private universities. The findings identify several key challenges, including limited research funding, the absence of clear institutional research policies, heavy teaching workloads, inadequate professional development opportunities, weak alignment with national research priorities, and insufficient research infrastructure and incentives. Despite these constraints, the study highlights emerging opportunities, including increasing interest in research among early-career faculty and students, the growing use of digital research platforms, expanding international collaboration, and the role of visionary leadership in embedding research within institutional missions. The findings suggest that greater investment in faculty development, stronger institutional research frameworks, and enhanced industry–academia partnerships can transform private universities into significant contributors to Bangladesh’s knowledge-based economy and sustainable national development.