"To foster innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge-driven economy, the federal government will allocate around Rs 30 billion for various programmes and projects in the fields of science and technology." Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, Vice-Chairman of the task force on technology-driven knowledge economy, disclosed this while addressing a meeting held on Wednesday.
Punjab Higher Education Minister Yasir Humayun Sarfaraz chaired the meeting while Punjab Higher Education Secretary Momin Agha, Lahore Knowledge Park Company Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Akram Khan (retd) and others were also present on the occasion.
Dr Atta informed the meeting that the research portfolio of Pakistan is very encouraging as the number of publications has drastically increased during the last couple of years; therefore, they have gathered a critical mass to develop an enabling environment for reaping the fruits of technology-based initiatives and strengthening knowledge economy in our country.
The meeting discussed the initiatives being taken by the Punjab government to foster knowledge economy, innovation and technology-driven development.
On the occasion, the minister desired to bring uniformity in the courses being offered at various levels with unique course and transferable credit hours.
In the meeting, it was observed that Lahore Knowledge Park Company could become a potential hub to boost the knowledge economy of Punjab and Pakistan.
The objectives of the Company were reviewed and supported by the participants for developing an ecosystem of knowledge-based economy.
The Punjab Higher Education secretary opined that the Lahore Knowledge Park Company may act as secretariat of all the initiatives to be taken in Punjab related to incubation, entrepreneurship, centers of excellence, linking knowledge and enhancing the quality of research and higher education.
It was also discussed in the meeting that level of current institutions should be raised to higher standards. However, establishment of new institutions in collaboration with world class top-ranked universities may also be considered, it was told in the meeting. Lt Gen Khan (retd), who is also the Chairman of Punjab Textbook Board, apprised the meeting about the inclusion of technology subjects at the matriculation and higher secondary syllabus.
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