Bridging the Gap
StrengtheningIndustry-Academia Collaboration for
Future-Ready Graduates in Pakistan.
Addressing the Disconnect Between Higher Education and Industry Needs.
by Dr. M. Waseem Bari
Government College University
Faisalabad
5th
International Conference & Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025,
April 14-16, 2025, Lahore, Pakistan
2.
Agenda
1 Introduction
Overview ofthe Industry-Academia Gap.
2 Key Findings
Data Analysis and Findings
3 Collaboration
Proposed Framework and Strategies.
4 Recommendations
Policy and Roadmap for the Future.
3.
1-Introduction & Context
GlobalShifts
AI and automation redefine the job
market.
Local Landscape
40% of graduates need extra training
(HEC 2023).
Collaboration
Alignment is essential for a skilled
workforce.
4.
The Industry-Academia Gap
CurrentChallenges
Overemphasis on theoretical
knowledge.
Key Figures
60% see curricula as misaligned
(PBC 2022).
Economic Growth
Skills gap reduction could boost GDP by 2.5%.
5.
Key Challenges
Communication
Lack ofregular interaction channels.
Curriculum
Limited industry input in programs.
Financial
Limited funding for joint initiatives.
2-Preliminary Findings &Data Analysis
1 Deficit in Practical Training
There is a gap in practical training and communication.
2 Investment in Training
Companies invest in on-the-job training.
3 Employment Rate
Collaborative programs increase employment by 30%.
4 Opportunity
Design of courses with industry feedback can shrink the
gap.
8.
3-Proposed Framework forStrengthened
Collaboration
1 Integrated Communication Platforms
Industry advisory boards can enable constant dialogue.
2 Curriculum Overhaul
Collaborate to update courses with industry experts.
3 Dedicated Funding & Support
Launch joint research centers and innovation labs.
4 Government Incentives
Tax breaks and grants can sustain joint efforts.
9.
Strategies for HEIs
ModernizingCurricula
Incorporate projects,
internships, and lab
experiences into courses.
Industry Collaboration
Work with industry leaders on
course design for better job
placement.
Faculty Development
Provide regular training for
faculty to update their tech
skills.
Infrastructure
Upgrade
Invest in modern labs and
simulation centers to mirror
industry environments.
10.
Strategies for Industry
Partners
1Active Academic
Participation
Engage through guest
lectures and mentorship
programs.
2 Joint R&D Initiatives
Collaborate on projects
addressing industry needs.
3 Structured Feedback
Provide feedback to update academic curricula continuously.
11.
4- Policy andGovernment Recommendations
1 Introducing Incentives
Tax breaks and grants can spur
joint projects.
2 Regulatory Support
Streamline processes for joint
research efforts.
3 Economic Benefits
Closing skills gap may boost GDP
by 2.5%.
12.
Conclusions
Key Summaries:
Strengthening industry-academiacollaboration is critical to equipping graduates
with skills aligned to modern market needs.
Data-driven insights highlight the potential for improved employment rates,
reduced on-the-job training needs, and increased innovation.
Call to Action:
Urge HEIs, industries, and policymakers to act on the proposed frameworks
for mutual economic and social benefit.
Q&A Session:
Open the floor for discussions and questions.
13.
References
Higher Education Commission(HEC) Annual Report 2023
Reference: Higher Education Commission, Government of Pakistan, Annual Report 2023.
Available at: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/about-hec/annual-report. Accessed April 2023.
Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) IT Sector Skills Gap Report 2022
Reference: Pakistan Software Export Board, IT Sector Skills Gap Report 2022.
Available at: https://www.pseb.org.pk/reports. Accessed December 2022.
World Bank Pakistan Economic Survey 2023
Reference: The World Bank, Pakistan Economic Survey 2023. Available at:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/pakistan/publication/pakistan-economic-survey-2023. Accessed April 2023.
Pakistan Business Council Survey 2022
Reference: Pakistan Business Council, Survey on Industry-Academia Collaboration, 2022.
Available at: https://www.pbc.org.pk. Accessed December 2022.
Pakistan Skills Development Report 2022
Reference: National Skills Development Authority, Pakistan Skills Development Report 2022.
Available at: https://www.ndma.gov.pk/sr2022. Accessed December 2022.
British Council Pakistan Report 2022 – Bridging the Skills Gap
Reference: British Council Pakistan, Bridging the Skills Gap Report 2022.
Available at: https://www.britishcouncil.pk/reports. Accessed March 2022.
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