AIOU holds conference to promote academia-industry linkages

Islamabad

To promote academia-industry linkages, through applied and meaningful research in order to provide effective solution to socio-economic problems of the country,  Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) held a national conference on business dynamics held here on Monday.

A large number of researchers and academicians from various parts of the country participated in the conference arranged by the AIOU’s Department of Business in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Administration deliberated upon the theme of ‘Managerial Role in Contemporary era: Opportunities and Challenges’ during its day-long working sessions.

HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui while addressing the inaugural session hoped that the conference will serve as a productive platform to promote effective collaboration between the researchers and the business circles for taking advantage of the new innovations in the economic pursuits.

Dr. Shahid Siddiqui announced that the University will hold a similar conference at international level next year to expand the scope of knowledge-sharing for the benefit of the society. The University, he added will continue to fulfil its main responsibility disseminating knowledge through publication of research journals and holding of research-based conferences. So far they have published nine journals, besides holding of twelve conferences of national and international importance.

HEC Chairman speaking as a chief guest called for making the research beneficial for the society and the humanity as whole. “Research is of no need, if does not leave positive impact on the living conditions of the people, he added. While underlining the importance of basic research, he said applied research should also be made an essential component of such academic efforts.  He emphasized that academia and the business entrepreneurs should work together for taking benefit of fast-changing development in the economic sector. Both sides should work as partner to upgrade the quality of industrial products.

Dr. Mukhtar appreciated the AIOU for frequently holding research-based conferences, assuring that the funding will have no problem for carrying out the projects that benefit the society. He also called for upholding basic ethics and moral values in educational and business practices.  The educational institutions needed to focus more on quality and good governance, he added.

He urged the youth to keep high national interest as well as well society’s benefit while doing PhDs, instead of just enjoying personal privileges. They need to come up to the society’s expectations in carrying out research work. He also spoke on the role of Business-related educational institutions in socio-economic development of the society.

Earlier, in his key-note address Vice Chancellor University of Education Lahore Dr. Rauf-e-Azam highlighted the importance of higher education in creation and dissemination of knowledge. He underlined the need of developing knowledge-based economy.  The conference was also addressed by renowned economist Dr. Tahir Hajazi and Dr. Hasan Raza, coordinator of the conference.  The university’s Dean Social Sciences Dr. Syed Abdul Siraj also participated in the event.