London: A new researchinstitution is to be set up in Birmingham tooffer research and consultancy services with a focus on business studies andbusiness applications with specific application to India.

The institution, called the India Foundation for AppliedBusiness Research, is a result of a new partnership between the AstonBusinessSchool, which is part of the AstonUniversity,and the Institute of Asian Businesses. Birmingham will be the hub of the India Foundation and theteam at AstonBusinessSchool will co-ordinate research andstudies in India, as well asthe UK and the USwhich have become two of the most important trading partners with thesub-continent.

Reports from Birminghamsay that the new institution has the backing of the Indian High Commission anda meeting is scheduled for Feb 26 to discuss the next stage of the foundation'sprogress.

John Saunders, head of AstonBusinessSchool,told the Birmingham Post: "This country has long shared its history with India, which isnow becoming one of the largest and fastest-growing conomies in the world.

"Birmingham is wellsituated to take advantage of that trend, as is AstonBusinessSchool. For a long timewe have had a number of people doing excellent work on Indian businesses andthe centre provides a terrific opportunity to benefit all businesses andmanagers on both continents,"he said.

The reports say that the foundation will be led by senioracademic Pawan Budhwar, who will be assisted by a postgraduate research team.

Professor Michael West, head of research at ABS, told thepaper: "Asian business is at the heart of the world and regional economyand we want to ensure we are helping this develop further.

"Through the establishment of this foundation, we aimto conduct rigorous research that will answer the key questions Asian businessleaders face about the effectiveness of their businesses,"he said.

Meanwhile, trade and industry leaders in Birminghambelieve that the key west Midlands town needs tohave long-haul flights to Indiaand Chinato help business growth in the region. Property consultant Mike Eagleton toldthe local media: "The lack of direct flights into two of the greatestemerging economies of the world will hamper the demand for quality officespace, not just along the M42 corridor but also in Birmingham city centre.

"Expansion of the airport to allow long-haul flightsfrom Birmingham to China,India and the West Coast ofthe USA should be a priorityif Birminghamis to build closer links and generate economic benefits with the emerging Tigerand Dragon economies,"

he said.

"The property industry has a vested interest inensuring that the Birmingham region can offerIndian and Chinese companies some of the finest locations for business in the UK, but withoutdirect airline links it is at a disadvantage,"he said.

Airport spokesman John Morris said: "We can serve Delhi with Air India but other than that, theradius is constrained. Our board has now given the go-ahead for us to prepare aplanning application for a runway extension.

"By giving Birminghamglobal connectivity it will be in a position to make the region morecompetitive,"he said.