Experts Urge Increased Investment in Tech and Innovation for Knowledge-Based Economy

Prominent economists and educationists of the country have called for scaling up strategic investment in technology, innovation, research, and higher education to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy capable of tackling Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) challenges. They argued that technology-driven development is essential to address global economic uncertainties and employment challenges. The observations were made yesterday, Tuesday (July 7), at a seminar titled "National Budget of Bangladesh 2026–27: Review," organized by the Green Business School (GBS) at the permanent campus of Green University of Bangladesh (GUB).

The seminar, held at the conference room of the main campus in Purbachal American City, emphasized keeping education, research, innovation, human resource development, and economic governance at the center of national budget implementation. Faculty members, researchers, students, and policy analysts attended the event.

Chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammad Tariq Aziz, Dean of Green Business School, GUB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Sharof Uddin attended the seminar as the chief guest. Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), and noted educationist Professor Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Director of the Learning and Teaching Innovation Center at BRAC University, participated as special guests.

Highlighting technological aspects during the panel discussion, Professor Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir stated, "To build a sustainable economy in the modern era, we must boost funding in technology, innovation, and higher education." He strongly advocated for establishing effective tripartite partnerships among universities, the tech industry, and the government to accelerate this growth.

Chief Guest Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Sharof Uddin remarked that there is no alternative to effective technological investment in education, health, and agriculture to ensure inclusive economic growth. He also stressed fostering a research culture and creating globally competitive human resources.

Special Guest Dr. Fahmida Khatun highlighted that the post-Covid global economic reality and geopolitical tensions have pushed Bangladesh's economy into multi-dimensional challenges. To mitigate this, she demanded banking sector reforms, reduction of non-performing loans (NPLs), and the establishment of tech-driven financial governance.

Dr. Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Chairperson of Green Business School, concluded that the national budget reflects the country’s development philosophy rather than being a mere balance sheet. He noted that such research-backed dialogues help students develop policy analysis skills and critical thinking.

Earlier, BBA students Faisal Bin Abir and Tahmid Ferdous delivered a comprehensive research presentation on the proposed fiscal layout of the National Budget 2026–27. The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session where students discussed the tech-related prospects and challenges of the budget with the panelists.

//DBTech/EKTN/MI//