Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU) signed memoranda of understanding with five organisations on Saturday to expand cooperation in research, innovation, skills development, technology exchange and industry-linked education, as it seeks to build stronger ties between academia and business.
The agreements were signed during a seminar titled “The Role of Academia–Industry Collaboration: Research Excellence, Innovation and Industrialisation” at the university’s academic building premises in Jamalpur. The university said in a press release that the initiative was aimed at connecting education and research more closely with industry needs and translating research outcomes into practical applications.
The five partners are Bio-Xin Cosmeceuticals, Rupol Integrate (Integrated Aquaculture Farm), Datasoft Manufacturing and Assembly Inc Limited, Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) and the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura.
The seminar focused on applying research findings in practice, developing skilled human resources based on industry needs, advancing technology, strengthening students’ industry-oriented skills and creating opportunities for joint research.
Bangladesh University Grants Commission member Abdullah-Al-Mamun said closer links between university education, research and industry had become increasingly important.
He said research could be put to more effective use if it addressed the practical needs and problems of industry. He also stressed the importance of students developing proficiency in a third language, improving professional skills in their respective fields and pursuing employment-oriented education.
Abdullah-Al-Mamun also offered recommendations on establishing the university’s permanent campus, addressing its manpower shortage, setting up a third-language learning centre, building a Teacher-Student Centre and increasing allocations for education and research.
He also encouraged students to use innovation to become entrepreneurs.
Rural Development Academy, Bogura Acting Director General Abdul Majid Pramanik said effective communication between universities and relevant institutions was necessary to apply research and innovation at the field level.
Such partnerships could help exchange knowledge and experience while accelerating the country’s development activities, he said.
University Treasurer Mohammad Ali Hossain said academia-industry cooperation would give students greater exposure to real workplaces.
Joint research and technology transfer would also make the university’s research activities more application-oriented, he said.
Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Amir Hossain Bhuiyan, who chaired the programme, said the initiative was intended to connect the university’s education, research and innovation with the needs of industry and society.
He said further initiatives would be taken in phases to develop an effective framework for academia-industry collaboration at the university.
English lecturer Tohfa Mahanur and Bangladesh Studies lecturer Belal Hossain moderated the programme.
A discussion titled “Bangladesh in the Thoughts of Youth” was held in the second session, with students taking part in discussions on education and research development.
Students called for the introduction of departments suited to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and for expanded internship opportunities. The chief guest and other participants responded positively to the proposals.
The university said seminars, symposiums and other programmes would be organised regularly in the future to strengthen academia-industry collaboration.
It was the first large-scale seminar of its kind at the university, with teachers, students, officers and employees taking part.
