INDUSTRY- ACADEMIA INTERACTION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES By Dr. D. Kunzru Department of Chemical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur February 25, 2005

Introduction Effective partnership between academia and industry can be mutually beneficial. In spite of potential benefits, interaction is limited. Basic differences in the needs of the industry and academic institutes. Mechanisms of interaction need to be strengthened.

Some Reasons for the Poor Interaction General opinion in the industry is that - research pursued in Indian academic institutes is not relevant to the needs of the country - courses are not oriented to suit the industrial needs. Lack of information on the problem faced by industries. Most faculty do not have industrial experience - tend to choose research problems based on foreign publications continued…..

Industrys concern about confidentiality. Academic institutes lack a complete understanding of what is necessary for commercialization of a product. Limited interdisciplinary research in academic institutions. Industry interested in short-term projects ; academicians prefer longer duration collaboration. Low R&D budget of industry.

Possible Modes of Collaboration Relevant industrial problems should be identified through personal contacts and more frequent industrial visits by faculty. Specialists from industry should be invited to deliver seminars as well as guest lectures in UG and PG courses. Sabbatical assignments in industry. Advisory boards for each department. Sponsoring of more longer duration developmental projects by industry. continued…..

Continuing education courses. Industry should encourage their employees to register for higher degrees. Hiring of faculty with industrial experience. Adjunct faculty appointments.

Scenario at IIT Kanpur Setting up of Research Cells and Centres. Technology Development Missions Continuing Education Programmes -e-learning External registration

High level summer consultancy. Lectures and seminars by experts from industry. Adjunct faculty appointments. Signing of MOUs with many national and International organizations.

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