Invention becomes innovation when a new technology leads to successful commercial concept", said Mr Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Group while speaking on 'Innovation in Science & technology' at the 2nd Symposium of University-Industry Council organized by Confederation of Indian Industry with IIT - Bombay in Mumbai on May 9, 2008.
Mr C Banerjee, Director General, CII, initiated the entire programme with his address. He emphasized the importance of building linkages between university and industry by focusing on increasing interaction between the two pillars of the society. "CII during the last few years has taken a conscious decision to push for quality, innovation and skill for working towards CII's vision of India@75. For this vision to be realized, partnership between universities and industry is crucial. Therefore CII is committed to take forward the university - industry council and the actions resulting from it", said Mr Banerjee.
Issues faced by Indian universities and industries in facing global competitiveness were highlighted by Professor P V Indiresan, Co-Chairman, CII University-Industry Council and Former Director, IIT Madras at his inaugural address at the CII Session.
"Low endowments, universities not being learning organizations and lack of competition amongst the universities are the challenges. Time has come to make universities globally competitive by having more privatization in education," said Prof. Indiresan. "Similarly industries have to learn how to work with new and original ideas. From the capital driven growth Indian industries have entered the phase of technological led growth. If they aspire for long term leadership and sustained growth they require technology development driven growth. All these issues can be solved successfully if a marriage between industry and universities take place. In addition it would lead to protection of the universities by industries from external controls on them", stressed the Speaker.
Mr Vijay Thadani, Chairman, CII National Committee on Education and Chief Executive Officer, NIIT Ltd. called on the participants to evolve a system where we have industry with university inside and university with industry inside. "With only 15%-20% of India's workforce being employable in global terms, it is imperative that in order to take advantage of the global opportunity, universities curriculum must be designed to improve efficiency, accountability, governance and transparency", said Mr Thadani. Also he envisaged the emergence of a Global Professional for which universities and industries should work jointly.
Putting forth the perspective of the universities was Prof Ashok Mishra, Director, IIT Bombay, who valued the platform created for joint action and interaction. "We need to have industry support and sponsorships. Opportunities exist in several areas between industry and universities like jointly organizing masters and doctoral programmes, joint research and development programmes among others", said Prof Mishra.
