University Research Ecosystem: A Conceptual Understanding

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to propose a new theoretical perspective and a conceptual model to build a sustainable research ecosystem in universities. The paper is conceptual in nature and draws upon existing literature to propose a unique framework on sustainable research ecosystem. This paper borrows the theoretical foundations from natural ecosystem to propose a process and stakeholder view of a research ecosystem in universities and suggests means to achieve sustainability in the long run. A thriving university research ecosystem leads to consistency, efficiency and sufficiency in research output. The ideas proposed in this paper are in the nascent stage and in the emerging market context. Future research is suggested to operationalize and validate the proposed framework in both developing and developed nation context. The insights generated here would therefore contribute to the existing models and frameworks that few universities subscribe to. From an originality point of view present work has conceived and conceptualized a new direction of thinking, i.e. creation of a sustainable research ecosystem.