Abstract
Purpose - Higher education (HE) institutions are more concerned with basic and applied research, which emphasize the generation of original knowledge, than they are concerned with experimental development research, which is associated with the development of newer or improved products and processes. In the meantime, experimental development research is needed by the private sector; and a substantial portion of the total national research expenditures, in key countries, is spent on this type of research. Therefore, HE institutions have the opportunity of enhancing their contribution to development by responding to the private sector needs and giving more attention to experimental development research. The purpose of this paper is to explore the need for supporting experimental development research in higher education, and to highlight guidelines for this support, with emphasis on experience being gained in Saudi Arabia.
Design/methodology/approach - For the achievement of the purpose, we follow basic stages borrowed from the the six-sigma quality management approach, as explained below.
"Define" stage: here we identify the problem of knowledge generation in higher education research considering the three types of research: basic, applied and experimental development.
"Measure" stage: we provide explanatory statistical measures on the current state of research support in key countries, and illustrate the need for HE institutions to be more involved with experimental development research.
"Analyse" stage: we discuss themes for dealing with the problem and providing solutions.
"Develop" stage: we describe the current development of HE research in Saudi Arabia and highlights future expectations and experiences.
Finally, guidelines for the future are concluded from the above.
Originality/value - Toward supporting experimental development research in HE, the paper explores the following future development directions.
Establishing and supporting "science parks", "technology incubators", "centres of excellence", and local "technology universities", as these institutions enable and support cooperation with the business sector.
Revising "requirements" for research degrees, and encouraging "research journals" to extend their attention to the outcomes of experimental development research.
Holding periodic international conferences concerned with experiences on promoting the role of higher education institutions in supporting national and international development.
Practical implications - The paper hopes to open a worldwide sharing of ideas on supporting experimental development research in higher education institutions, in order to enhance their impact on development and the well-being of societies.