Prof. Raja B.Engg, MSc, PhD, MBA, is a Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship. His areas of expertise encompass Higher Education, Entrepreneurship Education, and Circular Economy. He is instrumental in implementing many policies and systems to strengthen the research ecosystem at GITAM. Prof. Raja's academic background includes a B.Engg degree from Nagpur University, an MSc in Telecommunications, a PhD, and an MBA from Aston University in the United Kingdom. Currently, he is involved in the implementation of the Technology Enabling Centre grant, STI-HUBS and NIDHI i-TBI from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Going Global Collaboration Grant in partnership with Aston University and ISMWSM funded by the British Council sanctioned for the third consecutive year. In the past, he has also successfully worked on grants such as the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) and Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), emphasising sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Prof. Raja was the recipient of the esteemed John Flood Telecommunications Prize at Aston University in 2005, received the Aston 50th Anniversary Scholarship Award in 2016, and the Economic Times - Global Indian MSME of the Year Award in 2023. Prior to his academic career, he co-founded various businesses in the United Kingdom, mentored several startups, and actively contributed to the entrepreneurial landscape. He serves as the co-founder and Director of Skilliantech Limited, a global CMMI-Level3 company headquartered in London. Prof. Raja has participated in trade missions led by former British Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Theresa May and Sir Malcolm Grant, Chairman of the NHS (National Health Service).

GITAM Visakhapatnam

You held key positions at various organisations in the corporate industry throughout your career. What motivated you to pursue your career in academia and walk along with GITAM in the journey?

I am a first-generation entrepreneur. Following the completion of my PhD, I joined forces with a close friend to embark on a journey of entrepreneurship and co-founded many businesses. While we faced setbacks in some ventures, we also achieved success in others. My entrepreneurial journey has been a rollercoaster that has been both challenging and rewarding, providing me with invaluable insights and the right skills. Upon returning to India in 2018, I made a conscious decision to leverage my knowledge and experiences to mentor and inspire students. This is when GITAM became a part of my journey. The experience at GITAM has been nothing short of fantastic, and I am confident that it will only continue to improve in the future. Under the leadership of a vibrant President, a dynamic Vice-Chancellor, and a plethora of exceptional individuals, GITAM has evolved into an ecosystem that not only nurtures talent but also fosters research. The collaborative efforts of our leadership have created an environment that propels both personal and academic growth. I am excited about the future possibilities that GITAM holds and am committed to contributing to its ongoing success.

Can you throw some light up on how GITAM give importance to research compared to other institutions?

I steer clear of direct comparisons with any institution, as research ecosystems vary significantly across different academic settings. Across the universities in India, there is a commendable emphasis on prioritising research, which is a very positive trend. At GITAM, our commitment to fostering a robust research environment is evident through the investments being made in the establishment and ongoing development of state-of-the-art laboratories. Simultaneously, we are investing substantially in recruiting new human resources and also actively attracting research scholars through fellowships. Our collaborative efforts with industry partners underscore our dedication to translational research, concentrating on both technology development and technology transfer.

What are the initiatives you have implemented in order to cultivate the culture of involving into research activities among both, students and teachers?

We've implemented a range of initiatives to elevate the research environment at GITAM. This includes the formulation of new policies, the development of cutting-edge infrastructure equipped with sophisticated equipment, and the establishment of a framework that empowers our research faculty with greater autonomy. In order to attract and support research scholars, we've introduced the MURTI Excellence Fellowship and GITAM Junior Research Fellowships. Other initiatives, such as the IPR facility, the faculty enterprise scheme, and SEED grants, help the faculty initiate the research process by offering financial support for preliminary investigations, data collection, or the development of a proof of concept. We've made a significant investment in e-resources. Additionally, our PhD program has undergone a major redesign, incorporating improved and transparent monitoring and progression mechanisms.

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Can you explain us about the range of infrastructural support and facilities GITAM have in term of research?

GITAM is consistently investing in enhancing infrastructure across its three campuses. In Visakhapatnam, two MURTI facilities (Multi-disciplinary Units of Research on Translational Initiatives) have been established. One centre is dedicated to Life Sciences Research, and the other is a Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility. This centre hosts a 500 MHz NMR, LC MS, QToF, Scanning Electron Microscope and a wide range of other scientific equipment. Currently, we are actively constructing thematic labs across all three campuses, focusing on themes like software-defined vehicles, soil biology, and water research, aiming to create a diverse and well-equipped research environment. By the end of 2024, GITAM is poised to possess one of the best research infrastructures, reinforcing our commitment to fostering excellence among researchers. Additionally, in Visakhapatnam, two new centres concentrating on Drug Discovery and Materials for Medical Implants are under development. These initiatives are supported by DST and DBT, respectively. The expansion of such research facilities underscores GITAM's commitment to fostering diverse research endeavours across its campuses.

Can you describe what is the challenging part of being in a director of research role, and how you successfully deal with them?

This is an extremely critical role for any university. UGC has also placed special emphasis on establishing this role with a range of responsibilities. The biggest challenge for us at GITAM was transitioning from an academic-focused institution to one with a strong research focus. This involved a lot of effort, starting with creating new policies and infrastructure, training existing faculty, encouraging their participation in research, and recruiting and retaining new talent. However, with the help of the current leadership, most of the changes in research were brought about at lightning speed. To streamline operations, we introduced IT systems to reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency. While certain processes still require redesigning, we've successfully addressed the most crucial ones.

Research requires a long-term vision and strategic planning. What is your goal and vision for GITAM as a director of research for the coming years?

At GITAM, our shared objective is to create a sustainable competitive advantage by prioritising cutting-edge research. This commitment involves providing excellent infrastructure, attracting exceptional talent, and fostering an enabling ecosystem. We aim to cultivate an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and growth, ensuring our collective contribution to the overall success of the organisation. I personally aspire to witness the emergence of enterprises stemming from the research conducted at GITAM.