University-industry collaboration: A new way of ... - IEEE Xplore

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University of Petroleum and Energy. Studies, Dehradun, India [email protected]. Piyush Maheshwari. Amity University Dubai. United Arab Emirates.
University-Industry Collaboration: A New Way of Educating Future Generations of Engineers in India ’

Abhirup Khanna

Amit Agarwal

The University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia [email protected]

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India [email protected]

Abstract—India, constitutes the world’s third largest education system (after the US and China), but we still continue to struggle with many collective problems such as job placements, student retirement, learning impairments, language barriers and cultural differences. Cooperation between the industry and the scientific community if done with proper design and management can turn out to be beneficial for both industry partners and academic institutions. Such a cooperation can be achieved on micro and macro levels and can provide an inclusion of various educational institutions and industry partners. The collaboration may have different goals catering to the needs of industry partners and academic institutions. The involvement of industry and academia may not only be restricted to course curriculum but also result in joint research efforts and programs, which aims to connect students and industry professionals. This paper is an attempt to explore the relationship between academic and industry cooperation in order to enhance the skill set of a student along with his or hers employability opportunities. We discuss how capital investment and technology transfer can result in better development of the society and result in creation of new products, services and employment opportunities. The paper would be listing down some of the initiatives taken by the Indian government for creating an ecosystem for university-industry collaboration. Apart from this, we list some of the prominent university-industry collaborations that have taken place in the field of computer science engineering. Finally, we discuss some key initiatives which if taken into consideration could enhance the prospects of a fruitful university-industry collaboration and can benefit to the society in large. Keywords — industry collaboration; engineering education; technology transfer; research collaboration.

I.

INTRODUCTION

India has an extensive network of engineering education. In the first few decades of technical education for the post of independence of India, state institutions like IIT and REC were dominated. However, in the 1980s, especially in the southern states, there was an upsurge in private or self-financing technical institutes. Although these institutions where owned by private personnel’s or organizations, they were affiliated to state owned university and had to abide by their norms and regulations in order to maintain specific academic standards [1]. The primary goal of self-financing colleges was to provide degrees to the students, and then to provide employment to the students who came out through campus placement programs. In the initial steps, there was no emphasis on linking industries

Piyush Maheshwari Amity University Dubai United Arab Emirates [email protected]

or increasing research activities. The fact that in the intense competition among self-financed colleges, some of them offered best programs for inviting lectures for guests in such departments, attracting students to industrial trips, etc. The Indian higher education system is very well structured and requires 12 years of study for a candidate to complete its entire education. The education may be of the nature of General, Vocational, Professional or Technical. Education can be of a general, professional, professional or technical nature. At present, higher education is a means of creating new knowledge, promoting self-education and transforming the scholars' mental abilities, their characteristics and contributing to the development of nations. Higher education plays an important role in social and economic development through education, innovation and connectivity. In the environment of development, higher education is seen as a method of teaching people in difficult situations. To promote knowledge, various innovations in the field of education and technology and increasing competitive environment are constantly motivating students to go out and reach knowledge. The role of higher education is not limited to just getting a Master's degree, but it gives an opportunity to learn and acquire skills and knowledge about using abilities and skills to improve and advance both themselves and the society. In the current context, the pressure on higher education institutions which are more relevant to the needs of the economy and the society, partnership with the industry is one of the ways in which universities can support regional and national economies and the overall size of the Indian economy. Productivity of industries can limit the participation of a private company in the university, so it becomes necessary to find alternative ways of sharing resources and knowledge [2]. In present times, respective governments have started to recognize partnerships between universities and industries as they can play a major role in the development of the nation. Therefore, the purpose of our work is to study the relationships between industries and universities in India and explore new ways in which there collaboration can be a win-win situation and of mutual benefit. The system of higher education in India includes public universities, private universities, universities; Colleges affiliated with relevant universities and special institutions like

IITs and IIMs. Such institutions are either established by the Central and Government in India, or by the State Governments or private bodies or trusts. All colleges affiliated with the University are the centers of higher education in universities and special institutes in India. These universities or institutions have disciples or streams covering a wide range of topics ranging from literature to computer science technology. State universities are supported by central and state governments, while private universities are mostly built by corporations or funded by various corporate bodies and societies. Most universities, colleges and research centers are operated autonomously. In the last few decades, India has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of higher education institutions and technical education institutions and the number of continuous increase in income. Since 1947, higher education has been received in high schools and colleges since independence. From 2014, there are 45 central universities, 318 state universities, 185 private universities and 129 universities [3]. The rest of the paper is organized as follows. Section II elucidates the extent of engineering education system in India along with the objectives of our current study on industryuniversity collaboration. Section III illustrates models for such collaborations followed by Section IV discussing some of the prominent industry-university collaborations in India. In Section V, we exemplify the modus operandi for universityindustry collaboration which is subsequently followed by a case study described in Section VI which finally concludes the paper. II.

NEED FOR INDUSTRY UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION

Education in general and higher education, in particular, is a force for individual development, social progress and cultural development of any country. Education promotes economic development and quality of life, which develops economically. In any country, higher education is the main reason for positive change and development for people, society and state; and they supported the creation, development and transfer of social, cultural and economic values. Higher education has contributed significantly to leadership, development and achievement of positive changes. In many ways the higher education institute is rich and prosperous, and its role is versatile [4]. Higher education institutions work as gatekeepers, distributors and creators of new knowledge and serve an increasingly more diverse student body. They make connections between complex ranges at local, regional, national and global levels. Many developing countries are trying to transform their economies into technical development with resource-intensive technologies. This change does not depend on their economies of natural resources and other limited factors which disrupt development. Technical economic development is based on many factors and their successful integration into the economy. A common symptom of highly industrial economies is their investment in innovative products in the production of

knowledge and the transfer of knowledge. Models of production in heavy industrial economies have changed into product variation largely from production, i.e. new innovation in existing product or composition of a completely new innovative product. Formal and informal networks among the various stakeholders are becoming a major feature of the innovation process [6]. Many new products can be credited with cooperation and partnership between firms and institutions, which are increasingly being engineered by R & D. The emergence of high-tech industries prompted NASCOM play a more direct role in the innovation process in higher industrial countries. Many scientists argue that cooperation in scientific research in universities is a very important mechanism for making technical side effects. With this kind of cooperation the problems of innovation market become a positive solution and help in realizing the full social impact of investment in R & D. In addition, an increasing empirical literature shows a growing level of academic business activity, such as patenting and licensing, and the creation of manufacturing companies. This joint research was accompanied by an increase in the number of joint ventures and joint scientific publications. At the same time, many governments present a wide range of policies that encourage the participation of universities in technology transfer. The capacity of the nation to produce wealth depends on those investments which are doing so to strengthen the so-called "knowledge triangle", which includes research, education and innovation. Cooperation research fund between the university and industry, real problems and open new perspectives for new material in research problems and curriculum development. Cooperation also creates innovation and provides national economic benefits. In today's economic environment, it is extremely important for continuous improvement in products, processes and services for enterprises and public sector organizations. Cooperation between industries and universities is the ideal basis for innovation. Working with a university partner, enterprises gain access to advanced specialist knowledge and methods that they do not have in their activities, allowing them to develop new perspectives. Equally, academic institutions are allowed to work with the industry to test practical applications of research on real problems and indeed helps them to build on their future research. As the traditional role of participating in more actively innovative and productive activities in higher education institutions shifted from training about oriented fundamental research and new role, the impact of interaction between regional development universities and industry should be even more important has gone. Referring to the new role of universities, they are just one click away to improve competitiveness and economic progress, with governments in the economy and companies for the development and use of new knowledge and are doing this way. From this perspective, the emphasis has been on newer universities, such as the

transfer of technology Training, creation of sub-products, patents, licenses etc. Various models are presented on the basis of the development of different levels and the historical and institutional traditions of individual countries in the development of cooperation of the Institute. To make teachers a platform for the institute to attract teachers to solve their problems and to solve their problems, provide better opportunities for graduates of technical universities, solve practical problems in classroom and laboratory. It is important to cooperate with the industry. One of the important academic innovations organized in India, in relation to education, engineering education and industry. When it becomes clear that high engineering educational institutions and industries are so dependent, because the university is working in engineers and industries providing training for these engineers, therefore, on national partners, to improve cooperation between these partners it becomes extremely necessary to find ways. The extent of job creation and availably of satisfactory levels of employment are issues that concern both government and citizens of India. According to a recent report published in Hindustan Times [16], August, 2017 states “1.5 million Engineers graduate every year in India out of which 80% of them are unemployable”. Subsequently, Colwin Fernandes, CTO of Opcito Technologies, says “Engineering graduates are completely lost.” Fernandes warns by saying “labour market is changing rapidly due to advances in automation technology. New jobs will come up, he said, but Indian engineers may not be able to take them up. Layoffs will happen. Graduates need to make themselves layoff-proof.” In another article published in India Today [17], July, 2016 quotes Siddarth Bharwani, Vice President at Jetking Infotrain Limited “The ability to apply the concepts learnt and companies do not want to spend much on training and would prefer candidates with some skill sets who can be made billable soon” as indicators for an engineer’s is employability. These instances make it evident of how important has it become for our current generation of engineers to acquire industry relevant skills. University-industry collaboration thus fits well in place for making young engineers industry ready and helping them secure their dream job. Current trends depict an increase in status of employability by University-Industry collaboration but a detailed survey needs to be performed for ensuring its effectiveness on ground levels. Since universities have traditionally been the venue for most of the studies, and the industry definitely has a place for most of the technologies that require an extension of cooperation between the higher engineering educational institutions and the industry. Although the cooperation structure of the industry in India is very different from the cooperation in other countries, the cooperation between

universities and industry is increasingly valuable by the educational community, and apart from the degree of negotiation and there is probably some research cooperation between India's universities and industry. III.

MODELS OF COLLABORATION

In India, due to the lack of currently qualified staff, there is another potential area for cooperation. It is clear that the way the engineering education system has developed, is not in the best position at present and will need a lot of help to improve. And it is also clear that, although the government was traditionally responsible for higher education, it was only dependent on the government, the resolution of this problem was not fast enough, in this way, industry and academic players will have to take part. Some companies and institutes started their initiative on this front but it seems to be a very viable area for cooperation, where there are more chances of success in joint programs. However, in this field it seems, not so much, although both sides can benefit greatly from this. A. Collaboration in the field of Continuous Education One of the core competencies of academic institutions is teaching and there are educational programs and opportunities for educating highly qualified personnel in many institutions participating in the highest degree of education. Many of these topics are of interest to industries, therefore, a natural opportunity for cooperation is that academic faculty and institutes conduct training on the topics of interest to the industry. This model is present for a long time and is quite well understood. This form of relationship is also useful for both. As a rule, continuous education programs are available in this form of cooperation, which is for industry participants. Or some companies may be offered short courses by some teachers or in some cases. In India, when there has been an increase in the level of technology and capacity in the industry, the requirement of a short-term training program from educational institutions is declining. But the need for programs is increasing for working professionals. In India, there are now programs for professionals working in the field of management. However, such programs for technical areas have not been developed in any serious way. This is one of those areas which can possibly be developed, and it is best done if both sides cooperate. Knowledge Sharing (KS) is unique in this model. This central theme connects four human components (government, research, industry and education). CMI emphasizes the multidirectional aspect of its unidirectional flow. The exchange of knowledge depends on the incorporation of many specific mechanisms in the IC. Learning Innovation in Knowledge Sharing (SIKE) is very useful in creating new and innovative ideas for the convenience of sharing knowledge. The highlight of this model is that it allows you to learn in terms of success and failure. The six components KIC model is shown in the picture below.

B. Collaboration in Research Today, in the world ruled by intellectual property, interest in cooperation is increasing in the field of research. For the purposes of our discussion, research can be seen as a work of creating new knowledge, although participating in the academic research of the best institutions, cooperation in this field is possible only if the industry requires research. Although the purpose of the study is to create new knowledge, the research objective of the company is to create new knowledge that other parts of the company can be used to improve their business. Research as a rule is not a business or profit center, but rather a long-term investment that helps the company gain more profits and benefits. Recently in India, there was no need for research in most companies - knowledge in the public sector was sufficient for the business that was engaged in the company. But it seems to be changing now a technology player whose business depends on technology advancement requires research to develop new technologies only, so that new products can be brought to market. Although there was no technology based companies in the first country, but now some are emerging. In this way, we can say with confidence that the demand for research is increasing in Indian companies. Let's see the nature of research can be fundamental or applicable, practical research is where knowledge is designed to be used for commercial purposes. First, the scientists were often engaged in basic research. But now both academic and fundamental research is being organized in academic institutions. Companies, in their nature, are generally interested in applied research. Since the academic institutions are still participating in this field, there is a definite convergence of interests. With the effect of academic studies it is conditioned that it will be on the global scientific community, and in one important, successful measures. Although these two goals seem contradictory to each other, but this is not the case in practice. While publishing is not often the goal of the company, many companies have also found that it is often difficult to assess work without highlighting the reviews and without the views of other researchers, in this regard, companies often publish parts of their work (After confidential parts masking) it leads to general goals between academic and industry researchers. Thanks to this agreement on the purpose and nature of research, there is a clear possibility of cooperation between academics and industry. IV.

TRIUMPHANT CONSORTIUM

University-industry collaboration has always been a topic of interest around the globe. In any developing economy, innovation plays an essential role when dealing with job creation or solving pertinent social problems. The field of computer science is one such filed wherein innovation led startups played a significant role in contributing towards a country’s economy alongside offering solutions to problems at regional or global levels. Silicon Valley, London or Beijing

would have never been a cradle for innovation if not backed and supported by academic institutions. In most of these places the Industry took benefit from the applied research being conducted at universities and further transforming them into technology solutions. In this section, we would be discussing some of the industry leaders along with few academic institutions which are actively participating in Universityindustry collaboration and in large contributing towards the Indian society. A. Microsoft Microsoft has recently announced the launch of Microsoft Academy Accelerator, which aims to create a deeper long-term cooperation between industry and education [9]. With the support of faculty in Microsoft, 10 major Indian engineering colleges will try to improve the curriculum in computer science in electoral fields and further develop the innovation and contribute to business-oriented students. At present, the program consists of two main components a series of workshops covering a wide range of topics related to the modern hi-tech industry, and a student Hackathon that allows the students in these campuses have a team to make modern applications of the real world. Such events provide a series of opportunities for students to work in the environment, which uses the latest Microsoft platforms, including mobile and cloud. Based on the requirements of the Computer Science Department and their specific requests, seminars for courses in each partner's college are optimized and provided by experienced Microsoft engineers who are experts in their respective fields. Although they are mostly of technological nature, seminars often include other important themes, such as business scenarios, expected tendencies for future research or promising areas that were discussed in recent seminars about software development, Smartphone trends, machine learning, and cloud computing. B. Cisco Cisco Networking Academy has also come up with the concept of industry academia collaboration [10]. The curriculum includes practical experience of teaching students' computer networks. The collaboration offers various training programs: CCNA, CCNP, Network Security, Wireless LAN Basics, which incorporate the principles and practices of creating and designing, creating and supporting networks that can support national and global organizations. The Academy of Network Learning has met the needs of Indian colleges and has the opportunity to learn from highly qualified projects. At present, more than 160 Cisco Academy (in 26 States and Union Territories), currently 7,600 registered, and 4,900 professionals have already passed certification in CCNA. Today in India, more than 67,000 certified Cisco professionals are in addition to the transfer of IT knowledge and networking skills, the program too, as a means to overcome "digital divide"

in states like Orissa and Tripura. With the 10th anniversary, Cisco is also updating its CCNA course so that students can cover a wide range of skill levels and increase student enrollment. Cisco also started the Cisco Certified Entrepreneur Network Technician (CCCE) to enable students in technical schools, i.e., to use its tool for addressing the growing needs of polytechnic and ITI industry. Cisco is also working on the localization of the curriculum and certification exam to meet the growing demand of the Indian for its networking skills (including making IT compulsory courses available in the near future). C. IIT Delhi The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) founded in 1961 has established a Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) [13]. The purpose of such an establishment is to act as an interface between the institute and industry. The established faculty offers new ways of product development, promote technology initiatives, advocate technology advancements and contribute towards human resource development. The foundation also aims towards providing services in technology extension, future visions, information support, and strategic planning and management. D. Tiruchi Regional Engineering College The Tiruchi Regional Engineering College, commonly referred to as NIT Tiruchi was established in the year 1989 by the Department of Science and Technology. The institution has established a Tiruchi Regional Engineering College Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Park (TRECSTEP) which is famous for conducting one-month long entrepreneurial development programmes. The establishment is promoted by some of the leading financial institutions like, IDBI bank, IFCI and ICICI bank. Its aim is to initiate Innovations and Knowledge based ventures, by nurturing the ‘Spirit of Enterprise’ among the aspiring youth of India [14]. It has in total 64 industrial units that have been built by those who have undergone training sessions at the TRECSTEP. It also imparts training and entrepreneurial skill to youth under the guidance of Atal Innovation Mission by NITI Aayog, Government of India. E. NASSCOM NASSCOM has signed an MoU with the UGC to jointly commence a Faculty Development Programme for the advancement of skill-sets and knowledge base of the existing technical faculty [15]. Addressing to the increase in demand for skilled professionals, NASSCOM and the UGC have decided to work together for increasing student and faculty interaction with people from the Information Technology industry. This is achieved by means of mentorship programmes, workshops, seminars, and projects.

V.

MODUS OPERANDI FOR UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COLLBORATION

University-industry collaboration, its benefits and the means of achieving it has been talked about since the commencement of this paper. We have discussed how university-industry collaboration can act as a catalyst for job creation, knowledge transfer and skill set improvements but it still continues to face widespread acceptance because of an absence of model, which details its modes and methods of operation. This makes it certain why the collaboration is quite restricted especially in India and other parts of the world. As a result of which present-day ventures on university-industry collation in India are limited to a narrow range of activities. The reason for this problem being difficult to solve is the very difference in nature of functioning of an industry partner and an academic institution. A static model won’t work for a university-industry collaboration as it won’t be able to keep pace with the rapid changes taking place in the respective domains. At present there is huge gap between the skill requirements of Indian industries and those that are being provided by our higher education institutions. Therefore, in order to strengthen the fate of a university-industry collaboration in India certain crucial steps must be taken. From raising funds to the restructuring of the curriculum the following are some possible steps that can enhance interaction among various stakeholders and lead to a stable and productive collaboration.            

Foundation of a Center of Excellence and Continuous Education Industry-Academic council for designing and restructuring course curriculum University-Industry Lab Conglomeration Effective Students Internships Annual Technology Festivals and Conferences Guest lecturers from industry professionals A common R&D center at university premises Industry sponsored combined projects focusing on applied research Setting up an Entrepreneurship & Incubation Cell Industry Certification Programs Campus hiring from partnered Industry organizations Interconnection of more than one academic and industry institutions to form a knowledge ecosystem VI. CASE STUDY

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) and leading global organizations have come together to develop engineering-IT courses to meet the growing demand for rightly skilled and highly employable students [11]. UPES has academic collaborations with IBM, L&T, Xebia, Cisco, Mahindra, Philips Carbon Black Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum

Corporation Ltd. and KPIT to offer highly specialized B.Tech programs. UPES believes, that while demand for generic engineering courses is on a decline, industry needs candidates with domain specific knowledge. Following are the industry-academia collaborative programs that the university has to offer. Collaborative Programs:   



13 specialized B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering programs in collaboration with IBM [12]. B.Tech (CSE) with specialization in DevOps and B.Tech (CSE) with specialization in Big Data in collaboration with Xebia. UPES' collaboration with CISCO Networking Academy adds to learning of B.Tech Electronics and Communication Engineering students. This collaboration also covers training of faculty by CISCO certified trainers to impart specialized courses. B.Tech Civil Engineering with specialization in Infrastructure in academic collaboration with L&T.

The Innovation Centre for Open Standards (iCos), an online platform, will be the underlying framework for the engagement between IBM and UPES for the delivery of the courses. The IBM iCos platform links students' project based learning with IT industry mentors and subject matter experts. The platform will work as a support tool and will be seamlessly integrated to the UPES faculty to deliver the courses to the students. This effort will augment the Finishing School efforts of the IT Industry today, better preparing them for the future employability. The students will benefit from the innovative new course delivery by learning at their own pace, anytime, anywhere, and ensuring the students become future-ready. UPES placed 90% of its eligible B.Tech students in 2016 across gamut of organizations including IBM, Hyundai India, Infosys, Cairn India, Reliance Industries, Commvault Systems, L&T Infotech, Schlumberger, Dell, Mahindra Aerospace, Tata Technologies, Indian Navy, Royal Enfield, Tech Mahindra, Xebia IT Architects, Microsoft, Global Data, Shell, Philips Carbon Black etc. This year IBM alone has recruited over 140 UPES students and majority of them are from B.Tech programs. For its excellent placements, supported by great faculty and robust campus facilities UPES has been awarded 5 stars for both placements and facilities and 4 stars for teaching by globally recognized QS Ratings. VII. CONCLUSION Universities play an important role in development of a nation through creating innovative technologies, imparting good quality education, creating professionals, devising new and effective management and economic strategies and formulation of one of the best minds in the country. In India,

education seen in two different aspects, making one employment ready and R&D initiatives. University-industry collaboration can turn out to be a huge success in terms of enhancing the skill set of individuals and thereby increasing their chances of employability. The collaboration would also lead to finest levels of research as it would allow industry experts and distinguished academicians to work together across multiple domains. The work, illustrates how India as a nation has recognized the need for university-industry collaboration in the field of engineering education. We discussed in detail the engineering education system of India, why it needs industry collaboration and some of the prevalent collaboration which pave the path for future successful linkages and collaborations between academia and industry. REFERENCES [1]

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