GIKI MEMS Lab—Architects of Tiny Machines

The case describes the dynamics faced by Dr Shafaat Bazaz, a foreign faculty member hired by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, in establishing a state-of-the-art research lab at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), a premier engineering institute in Pakistan. The lab specialized in designing tiny micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). During five years of untiring efforts, the lab produced both skilled human resources in MEMS technologies and a number of cutting-edge technologies (devices) comparable to, and even surpassing, specifications of similar products developed in other countries. The efforts contributed significantly in the introduction and launch of a new industry in Pakistan. The case also highlights the numerous entities that Shafaat interacted with while producing a continuous stream of funding for meeting bare-minimum operational needs of the lab, amidst other challenges, while bearing a perpetual opportunity cost himself. At the time of writing this case, MEMS lab had acquired the capability of offering commercial design services to companies in the Americas and Europe. At the same time, it was engaged in research collaborations with various international institutions for development of new technologies. The potential of producing revenues through commercial activity could be utilized for further development of the MEMS lab and its research potential and resources. However, any future decision on commercializing activity was dependent on Shafaat’s own future, which was uncertain due to possible devolution of HEC in 2011 (as he was an HEC-hired foreign faculty working at GIKI). Shafaat had to decide what the future held for MEMS lab and for himself.