Link between varsities, industries stressed

Delegates from regional countries have urged for developing greater linkages for sustainable economic growth.

ISLAMABAD: The delegates from the regional countries have urged for developing greater linkages among international universities with industries, communities and local leadership for sustainable economic growth.

These views came at the three-day Regional Policy Dialogue which concluded here on Thursday. The dialogue was organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the British Council under their INSPIRE programme.

The 35 delegates of eight regional countries pledged to collaborate in knowledge transfer as well as creating a culture of innovation and research in the region.

There was a consensus that universities are not only essential for developing the knowledge economy but they must also play a leadership role in their respective communities.

The dialogue was attended by academic and government experts from Afghanistan, Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and the UK.

The experts also agreed to develop a mechanism to promote knowledge, stimulate innovation and commercialize university research.

They observed that absence of strong linkages of universities with the industry was a setback for economic development and the participants resolved to take the issue on priority and sort out ways to create synergy with the industry in a way that it is beneficial to all the parties.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2010.