On August 26, 2025, Dr. Azam Chaudhry, Pro Rector, Lahore School of Economics, delivered a lecture at the Civil Services Academy (CSA) in Lahore. The lecture was part of the Transformative Leadership and Strategic Management Programme, designed for Vice Chancellors of public sector universities in Punjab. This initiative aimed to foster leadership and strategic thinking among academic leaders to drive meaningful change in higher education.
Titled “Creating Research to Impact Pipelines,” Dr. Azam’s session explored how research can significantly influence productivity, innovation, and policy design in Pakistan. Drawing on his extensive work in areas such as innovation in the textile sector, export competitiveness, and evidence-based policy interventions, he underscored the transformative potential of research. He emphasized that research is not merely an academic exercise but a critical driver of long-term growth, innovation, and resilience in developing economies like Pakistan.
Dr. Azam Chaudhry emphasized the importance of aligning research with national development priorities, including exports, industrial upgrading, energy, and employment. By focusing on these areas, research can address pressing challenges and contribute to sustainable economic progress. He emphasized that establishing robust institutional linkages between universities, policymakers, and businesses is crucial for translating research into practical solutions that yield tangible, real-world impact.
To illustrate his points, Dr. Chaudhry shared practical case studies, including technology adoption in Sialkot’s soccer-ball and surgical goods industries and interventions in solar energy. These examples demonstrated both the opportunities and challenges in creating effective research pipelines that deliver tangible outcomes. His insights provided a roadmap for aligning academic research with practical applications to address Pakistan’s unique developmental needs.
The session was an inspiring engagement with Vice Chancellors, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pakistan’s higher education and research landscape. Strengthening the dialogue between academia and governance is crucial for fostering sustainable and inclusive growth pathways. By bridging these domains, Pakistan can harness the power of research to drive innovation and development.
The Lahore School of Economics extends its gratitude to the Civil Services Academy and the Punjab Higher Education Commission for organizing this vital dialogue on leadership and innovation. Such initiatives are instrumental in fostering collaboration and ensuring that research catalyzes transformative change in Pakistan.
Labels: Civil Services Academy, Dr. Azam Chaudhry, Evidence Based Policy, Faculty, Higher Education, Lahore School, Pakistan, Research
posted by S A J Shirazi @ 8/29/2025 02:45:00 PM,
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