On May 29, 2024, L&T EduTech hosted an Academic Leaders Roundtable in Delhi, bringing together over 20 leaders from India’s top universities to discuss the role of industry-academia partnerships in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This event underscored the need to align educational frameworks with industry demands, producing graduates with practical skills for the modern workforce.
NEP 2020, introduced by the Government of India, aims to create an equitable, vibrant knowledge society through a holistic, flexible and multidisciplinary approach to education. It emphasises technology integration, critical thinking and creativity, necessitating strong partnerships between educational institutions and industry.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Dr Taruna Gautam, Vice-Chancellor of IILM University, highlighted the skills gap between academic education and industry needs. Participants agreed on the urgency to update curricula in Engineering, IT, Commerce, Management and Science to make them relevant to industry requirements. They stressed developing skill-based curricula, joint research projects and structured internships to enhance graduate employability and foster continuous learning and innovation.
The roundtable also addressed challenges hindering industry-academia collaborations, such as regulatory hurdles, resource constraints and cultural differences. Dr Balvinder Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of Amity University, emphasised clear communication of job roles and skills needed to develop relevant curricula, stressing that “joint talent development by industry and academia is crucial for preparing students for real-world challenges.”
The discussions underscored the need for co-creating solutions to overcome these challenges, with participants agreeing that robust and dynamic partnerships are crucial for raising higher education standards in India. Dr Shukla also stated, “The joint development of talent by industry and academia is crucial for preparing students for real-world challenges.”
Discussions also centred around student internships suggesting that one-time training is insufficient and that ongoing industry support is essential. Regular visits from industry professionals for feedback and training keep faculty and students updated with technological trends. Another crucial aspect that was discussed by the focus group was to improve faculty members and make them more adaptable to evolving technology in the industry.
The roundtable catalysed meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies, emphasising collaboration to shape India’s educational future and ensure successful NEP 2020 implementation. Participants agreed on the importance of skilling and reskilling programs like L&T EduTech’s initiatives to prepare students for a dynamic, technology-driven world. “The ultimate goal is to instil a mindset of lifelong learning in students,” said Dr Deependra Kumar Jha, Vice-Chancellor of Manav Rachna University.
