Ivory Tower Research and National Development: Emerging Issues

Abstract

A Nations development depends on its ability to improve the lives of the citizenry. Basically, the development of every Nation is basically measured by the quality of its research output. The main importance of research is to proffer solutions to human problems through well-defined methods. Research brings about new insights deriving from knowledge, it is also acknowledged as a systematic and objective search for knowledge, to establish theories and methods. National development is measured by the ability of a country to improve the social welfare of the people, in terms of providing social amenities like quality education, potable water etc. Indeed, it embodies all attempts to improve the conditions of human existence in a sustainable way such that todays consumption does not imperil the future. The method deployed in the study was the key informant interview (KII) to ascertain the nexus between ivory tower research and national development. The systems and social exchange theories were used as explanatory tools to explain the phenomenon. The article posits that there exist many researches in different fields of study and development can be applied to political, social and technological progress which is critical and essential to the sustenance and growth of any nation. The development of a country depends on the method of research employed, which can either be Basic research or Applied research. The academic community should realise that in knowledge society there is a need to marry theory with practice to achieve a better society.