UGC's move to empowering research and innovation through industry partnerships

Industry-sponsored scholarships, joint technology development, and collaborative degree programmes strengthen academic-industry collaboration, the University Grants Commission (UGC), as these initiatives boost research, enhance skill development, and promote technological advancements.

The UGC has released guidelines on a sustainable and vibrant university-industry linkage system for Indian universities. The guidelines focus on the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission coupled with the incorporation of the values in education as emphasised by National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to bring a fresh and healthy aura to the University system and a competitive edge through a fresh culture of effective R&D to the industry.

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Objective:

To promote Research & Development Thrust through University-Industry (UI) collaborations in the University to address practical R&D problems of high societal relevance by engaging the faculty and students right fromdegree (UG) college and upwards.

To develop the skill sets amongst the learners and make them industry ready through student Internships, including field/industry/on-job skills/vocational training/life skills to effectively achieve the learning objectives and attain desired outcomes.

To establish linkages and develop sustainable relationships between Industry and Academia.

To create training opportunities and apprenticeship opportunities in the industries/ R&D labs/ Research organisations/ other organisations, including social systems across the country.

University-Industry (UI) Linkages for Enhancements of Student Internship and Apprenticeship in Academic and Industrial Systems:

The Universities/Institutes/Colleges may appoint highly experienced industry professionals on appropriate governance bodies as per the requirement of regulatory bodies on the Board of Studies, Academic Councils, and other committees of the University/Institute/College.

The Universities/Institutes/Colleges may invite professionals from industry as “Professor of Practice” as per the UGC Guidelines for Engaging Professors of Practice in Universities and Colleges.

Universities/Institutes/Colleges and Industry may encourage the facilitation and exchanging of experts for conducting and monitoring of R&D projects as investigators or consultants in each other’s or joint project and consultancy activities. 

Universities/Institutes/Colleges may conduct specialised workshops and training programmes jointly with industry on science and technology developments.