New ideas: ‘Promote culture of innovation’

Rector says new policy needed to engage students in creative thinking

LAHORE: “A knowledge-based economy is about conceptualising innovation and creation,” University of Management and Technology (UMT) Rector Hasan Sohaib Murad said on Friday.

He was speaking at a seminar held to deliberate the issues of law and policy regarding intellectual property rights, a statement said.

Murad said it was important for the faculty to be aware of their intellectual property and be apt in classifying and protecting those rights legally.

The rector stressed the need for nourishing a culture of innovation in all degree programmes. Murad said, “Teaching is not about merely disseminating knowledge rather it is about transforming innovative ideas.”

“I want to see both faculty and students excel as innovators. They should show their creative skills and lead the world,” Murad said.

The rector hinted at introducing a new academic policy of engaging students in creative thinking.

Australian scholar Philip Mendes said excellence in scientific innovation and discovery were behind intellectual property of individuals who had commercialised their creative ideas.

He said, “Universities are nurseries for future intellectuals who will use their knowledge for the well-being of fellow human beings.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2016.