Capacity-building programme: Linkages between universities and industries

Speakers highlight the importance of knowledge, economy for prosperity.

ISLAMABAD:

Research and innovation is the need of the hour. To rescue a crumbling economy there is a crucial need to develop strong linkages between the industrial sector and universities.

These views were expressed by National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Rector Engr Muhammad Asghar during the opening session of a five-day capacity building programme for staff members of the Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORICs).

The programme is being held by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), in collaboration with the British Council. Around 45 directors and managers of universities from across the country participated in the event.

With regards to the establishment of ORICs, an HEC official said that the body aims to develop and sustain a dynamic and internationally competitive research sector in universities, which can contribute to the country’s economic prosperity and dissemination of knowledge. “Such programmes are a step towards achieving this goal,” he added.

So far only 14 universities have established the ORICs, which include Nust, Comsats, University of Punjab, University of Faisalabad, Aga Khan University, Dow Medical College, Institute of Management Sciences Peshawar, Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lums) and University of Karachi.

The remaining institutions are yet to fulfill this criteria set by the HEC.

Reiterating the views of Nust rector, HEC Deputy Director (R&D) Noshaba Owais said,”Knowledge-based economy is the only solution for development and prosperity in the country and universities can play a crucial role for this purpose,” adding that promotion of research is one of the core strategies of the HEC.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2012.