Ghassan Aouad: Academics Must Demonstrate the Economic Value of Their Research to Gain the Attention of Policymakers

During the THE Eurasia Universities Summit, the panel on Eurasian strengths in tackling global challenges featured Gareth Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at the University of Warwick; Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University; and Shota Potolashvili, Head of the Quality Assurance Office at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. The discussion explored how universities in the region can contribute to solving critical issues through cross-continental research partnerships, with speakers stressing that genuine collaboration depends on trust-building, shared objectives among stakeholders, and overcoming obstacles such as funding sustainability, cultural differences, intellectual property, data privacy, and differing quality assurance systems.

Panelists underlined the importance of strong engagement with government bodies, noting the challenges academics often face in this area.  Gareth Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at the University of Warwick, added that Warwick offers a course designed to equip academics with the skills needed to engage ministries more effectively, providing practical guidance for navigating institutional and political landscapes.

Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, highlighted the need for stronger national research strategies and adequate funding, adding that academics must be able to demonstrate the economic value of their research in order to capture the attention of policymakers.

The panel also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence in academic collaboration, with calls to integrate AI literacy from early education so that future generations are prepared for data-driven, cross-border research.