Education, Industry collaboration essential according to economic needs: Saigol

LAHORE, Apr 04 (APP):Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol chaired a meeting of the LCCI Standing Committee on Industry–Academia Linkages to discuss practical ways to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and the industrial sector, promote skill-based education, and connect research with economic development.

The meeting was attended by Committee Convener Umer Saleem, former vice president Faisal Iqbal Sheikh, Dean of Lahore Garrison University Professor Dr. Rizwana Bashir, Head of Innovation at Beaconhouse National University Uzair Shahid, Dr. Hafsah Batool from Lahore College for Women University, Director ORIC at Information Technology University Dr. Rehan Hafiz, Dr. M. Akhyar Farukh from the University of Central Punjab, Dr. G. Murtaza from Government College University, Dr. Muhammad Ali from the University of Management and Technology and Haji Rasheed Ray.

Addressing the meeting, Saigol said that the modern global economy is based on knowledge, research, and technology, while a clear gap exists in Pakistan between academic output and industrial requirements. He said that LCCI would act as an effective bridge to connect universities, industry, and policymakers so they can move forward in a unified direction.

He emphasized that students need practical skills along with theoretical education. Exposure to industrial environments during studies would improve employment opportunities for graduates and enhance industrial productivity. He also proposed forming sector-specific industry–academia working groups to ensure continuous collaboration.

Committee Convener Umer Saleem said that a large portion of research in Pakistan does not reach practical application due to the lack of direct coordination between industry and universities. He stressed that university research projects should be linked with real industrial challenges. He further suggested providing industrial support to final-year projects, startup ideas, and incubation centers so that young people can become entrepreneurs instead of only job seekers. He also proposed creating a digital portal under LCCI where industries could share their needs and universities could present their research.

Professor Dr Rizwana Bashir said that Pakistani universities possess strong research capacity and human potential, but effective coordination with industry is missing. She suggested faculty-industry exchange programs to make research more practical and market-oriented. She added that mandatory internships, industry visits, and joint research labs are essential because success in today’s economy depends on skills and practical experience rather than degrees alone.

Participants agreed that sustainable industrial growth in Pakistan is not possible without strong connections between academic research and real industry needs. Concern was expressed that although a large number of graduates enter the job market every year, industries still face a shortage of required skills, affecting both employment and productivity.

Various proposals were discussed during the meeting, including skill mapping, curriculum improvement according to industry needs, joint training programs, applied research funding, and promotion of startup culture. It was also agreed that LCCI would organize regular dialogue sessions between academia and industry to incorporate private sector input into policymaking.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening industry–academia collaboration to create new employment opportunities for youth and improve the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s industry.