Kuala Lampur, March 16 -- R&D is an important business of universities. R&D generates new knowledge and provides solutions to society's challenges. Impact is measured by the return of value. There is concern that the impact nowadays is seen as not significant. This matter was raised at a recent engagement with the authors of the new national blueprint on higher education.

Concern is also raised on the mismatch between what universities produce in terms of talent and technology with what the industry need. It is no surprise that many are underemployed. The latest figure shared was that close to 2 million graduates in the country are underemployed. These are some of the problems plaguing higher education. The new blueprint should address t...