Abstract:

This research study explores the significant predictors and dimensions of quality of research outcomes with respect to its impact on socio economic development of Pakistan. The paper argues about certain research quality indicators, their limitations, ideology to choose them and consequently the impact of each indicator with few socioeconomic measures. The paper discusses the special symmetry exists between research outcomes and socio economic development. The primary goal of this research study is to analyze the research produced in Higher Education institutes of Pakistan and its utilization for community services. The research aims to produce a system of Quality indicators for research outcomes. Finding and suggestions for further research along with certain limitations are also presented at the conclusion.

Purpose:
In Pakistan adoption of criteria & standards becomes more important for its recognition of research at level to compete worldwide, so that individual research could be published in the international recognized journal and presented allied forums. This paper aims to assess the quality of research produced within Pakistan and how it contributes towards the socio-economic development of the country. Secondly the areas of research are also be analyzed which are to be focused in future.

Design/methodology/approach:
The population for this study comprised of PhD Scholars (7150) and Graduates having one or two research publications etc. from various disciplines. The research methodology involves secondary data as well as research survey from sample size of almost 200 respondents including PhD Scholars (discipline-wise) as well as PhD supervisors.

Findings:
The results will suggest the quality parameters i.e. Article Citation, Journal Impact factor and Ranking, Journal publication acceptance rate (Rejection Rate) for undertaking Research at PhD and MS level. Moreover, the study also suggests the impact of research outcomes on socio economic development nationwide i.e. Return on Investment, Patents issued, Bibliometrics, Peer Reviews etc. The quality indicators will help to improve quality of research produced within Pakistan.
Research limitations/implications –The scope of research study have covered the academic sector of Pakistan. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions in corporate sector of Pakistan and other developing/underdeveloped countries.

Practical implications:
The findings will confirm the quality criteria for standards of research. Further the research journals published locally acquire the impact factor equivalent to internationally recognized high impact factor journals.

Originality/value:
This paper provides criteria for quality of research publications for Pakistan.

Keywords:

Research Outcomes, Research Quality, Research Criteria, Research & Development.