Developing Technology Driven Technologies workshop arranged by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization.

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 Commercialization, University of Agriculture Faisalabad in collaboration with Pakistan Scientific Technological Information Centre (Pastic) and IRP chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof 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 Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and FCCI President Sohail Bin Rashid. Addressing on the occasion, Prof 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. Keeping in view, we have to produce the entrepreneurs. She said that India was actively working on it as 400 global companies are investing in India for product development market. She called for refurbishing the entrepreneurial skills among the people by providing the enabling environment. Pastic Director General Dr Muhammad Akram Sheikh called for bridging the gap between the academia and industry. He said that the strengthened ties are the need of the hour to compete with the world and to face the challenges of 21st century. Arshad Jamil from New Jersey said that research and development are the survival of any country. He said that knowledge based solution are needed for the problems of the society and industry. Dr Khuram Tariq CEO, Kay and Emms said that the unemployment was the major areas of the concern. He said that we are also running out of skilled manpower. ORIC Director Prof Dr Asif Ali said that the all-out efforts are being made to enhance the skills of students in term of entrepreneurship. He said that the University was coming up different ideas to solve the problems of society. IBMS Director Dr Munir Ahmad said that his instruction was providing state-of-the-art facilities to the students. IRP representative Rehmatllah also spoke.