Academy and industry collaboration

Academy and industry collaboration has become the focal subject of discussion the world over. This has to be the case when it is realised that academic education must be in step with the latest innovations and advancements in the research and development laboratories of industry if it is to serve the needs of humanity. This close interaction can only be brought about when academic engineering and technology institutions interface with industry. The inputs funnelled into academic institutions will give students and faculty the information to redesign courses and revise curricula taking into account the realities prevailing in industry in the global context. Unless there is a close interaction and exchange of ideas between the three components of science, engineering and technology represented by industry, research and academic institutions, there is every chance that engineering education will falter. Collaboration between academies and industry requires the development of collaboration programmes that are not only curriculum specific but also mesh smoothly with the latest developmental activities taking place in industry. The creation of wealth through knowledge and the building of bridges between research and the market place can only be achieved through a meaningful national agenda in the global context with developed countries contributing their vast store of knowledge.