Aligning Capacity Building with RD&I: A Critical Qualitative Study of Non-Academic Staff Development in Pakistani HEIs

Abstract

The transformation of higher education in Pakistan has largely prioritized faculty development and student-focused reforms, often neglecting the vital contributions of non-academic staff in advancing institutional goals, particularly in research, development, and innovation (RD&I). This paper critically examines the capacity-building frameworks for non-academic staff in public sector Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. Drawing on a qualitative design informed by a scoping review of policy documents, institutional reports, and international benchmarks, the study explores the extent to which current practices support professional development and align with national RD&I priorities. The findings reveal a fragmented and under-resourced landscape, where capacity-building efforts are sporadic, donor-dependent, and lack strategic coherence. Opportunities for non-academic staff are often ad hoc, compliance-focused, and unequally distributed—leaving institutions in remote areas and female staff particularly disadvantaged. The paper concludes by recommending a national policy framework that includes the creation of dedicated staff development units, scalable training modules aligned with RD&I goals, and mechanisms to ensure equitable access. Strengthening the non-academic workforce is essential to fostering a more innovative, responsive, and high-performing higher education sector in Pakistan.