Establishment of the Top Quality Centralized Instrumentation Centre: a Model for Developing Countries

Abstract

To take part in the global technological advance, it has become imperative, especially for developing countries, to keep pace with the progress being achieved elsewhere, by renewing their research laboratories and by establishing centers of research and development. Developing countries need to advance the fields of engineering, science and technology, which have become essential factors for their economies. The importance of Research and Development especially in the field of Engineering, Science and Technology, in the academic and industrial sectors, is recognized by the Government of Pakistan. In pursuit of such policies, it has established the Top Quality Centralized Instrumentation Center (TQCIC) at Mehran University. This center establishes a major two-way conduit between industry and academia, thus providing cost-effective high-tech solutions. This paper presents the TQCIC as a role model for developing countries. We focus on the importance of achieving self-reliance, developing state-of-the-art equipment training and facilities, and bridging the gap between industries and academic institutions through programs linking them both. Pakistani universities have only produced a few PhDs in Engineering in their first 50 years. As research culture is vital for the acquisition of new knowledge and health of universities, the TQCIC has resulted in the improvement of infrastructure for better training and research. A large number of highly advanced instruments and equipment have been acquired and installed. Research students, faculty members, research scientists, and industries are all benefiting from these facilities. The paper also covers the procedure for selecting the right equipment, development of infrastructure, and technical staff requirements. We demonstrate the benefits of the TQCIC project in terms of financial, economic, technical, and social aspects