Engineering Research Impact in Developing Countries

Abstract

The need to measure the quality of research and its impact on society and the economy is a very important step for justifying research spending. Although there is no particular checklist to evaluate research impact, it is almost agreed that “worth spending” research is the one that contributes to the advancement of knowledge, economy, and social gains. Despite the difficulty of setting definite indicators for each specific impact, there exist some parameters, which can be used as guides to evaluate research impacts. Low-income countries, developing countries, usually have a limited budget for research, and therefore they have to be more careful and wise when spending on research. This paper reviews engineering and science, research impact evaluation in NSF (The National Science Foundation in the USA), EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in the UK). This paper is attempting to emphasize that developing countries need to consider revising their impact of research to match their national needs and circumstances. The paper also presented a list of indicators, which could be used to develop a comprehensive measurement system for research impact that suits individual developing countries. Finally, the paper encourages developed countries and the global scientific community, to facilitate improvement of research impact in developing countries.