MoU signed to bridge academia-industry gap

The country is far lagging behind in academia-industry ties, marring to tap the full potential of development in the every sphere of life It was echoed by speakers at the workshop titled "developing technology driven technologies" arranged by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, University of Agriculture Faisalabad in collaboration with Pakistan Scientific Technological Information Centre (Pastic) and IRP chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.
On the occasion, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) and UAF inked a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the academia-linkage relations for the benefit of the industry and the society. The agreement was duly inked by UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and FCCI President Sohail Bin Rashid.
Addressing on the occasion, Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan expressed his concerns over weak academia-industry linkages in the country. He was of the view that the strengthened research-industry relations will help the country enhance the indigenous capabilities for solutions of industrial problems, export enhancement and import substitution. He said that it was duty of the scientists and researchers to solve people's problems with tangible research work that should be translated into goods and services.
He stressed upon the students to develop entrepreneurial skills for progress in life. He urged the teachers to explore the entrepreneurship model in which the university administration will facilitate them. FCCI President Sohail said that industry is looking at the academia to solve their problems. He said that all-out efforts were being made to strengthen the ties for the betterment of the society.
The smart brains will help the industry to solve their problems including textile, food, agriculture and dairy industry, resulting in progress of the country. He was of the view that entrepreneurial skills among the students were essential to reduce the unemployment. Indian expert Sunita Singh, Co-founder, Entrepreneurial Network, India said that it was the environment that encourages the entrepreneurs. He said that south Asia population was increasing with large pace. The India population can touch to 2 billion by the end of this century.