Collaboration: ICCI, Riphah university agree to promote entrepreneurship, research

University to offer discount in admission fee to ICCI-recommended candidates.

ISLAMABAD: Countries having higher level of industry-academia linkages have achieved higher productivity and Pakistan will have to follow this model to achieve fast economic growth, Riphah International University (RIU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Anis Ahmad, on Tuesday said.

He was speaking at a ceremony after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to strengthen cooperation for promoting academia-industry linkages, said a press release.

ICCI President Muzzamil Hussain Sabri and Dr Ahmed signed the MoU at the chamber house.

Under the MoU the university will offer 15 per cent fee discount to ICCI recommended candidates for admission in MBA and public policy.

Dr Ahmad said strong partnership between industry and academia was essential to ensure that research and development activities in universities are oriented towards industry demands.

He hoped that the MoU will go a long way to achieve these objectives.

Sabri asked RIU vice-chancellor to reserve a seat for the chamber that would help in bridging gap between business and academia. He was optimistic that the MoU would play a positive role in enhancing research work of universities for industry and entrepreneurship development among the students.

ICCI Vice-President Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain Chathha said it will help promoting knowledge economy.

Both organisations agreed to collaborate for promotion of entrepreneurship among students, provide opportunities for practical application of theoretical knowledge and exchange experiences in areas of mutual interest.

The MoU will also facilitate in promoting innovation and competitiveness in local industry through joint research activities and share academic material and information for the benefit of students and industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2015.