NICMAR Meeting Strong Industry-Academia Partnership Needs

The significance of industry-academia partnerships has been proven and increasingly acknowledged. Such collaborations can help to bridge the gap between conceptual knowledge and practical application to promote innovation. The construction and infrastructure industry is no different when it comes to following this trend.

Numerous exercises in the industry, such as sustainable construction, infrastructure development, project management, etc., require innovative steps. With the evolution of the construction and infrastructure sector, it is crucial to foster robust collaborations between industry and academia.

Why are academia-industry partnerships so important?
Academia-industry alliances are instrumental in advancing research and creating a skilled workforce. These partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between academic institutions and companies, driving innovation and technological advancements. For instance, a noteworthy collaboration is between Tata Project Ltd and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR – IIP). Together, they engage in cutting-edge research, development of advanced solutions and contribute to clean energy solutions.

Another is the partnership between Kanix Infotech Pvt Ltd and NICMAR for cloud-based academic solutions. Integrated functions, like Accounts & Finance management, Project Management, etc., using cloud technology can benefit a wide range of projects, including Residential, Infrastructure, Bridges, etc.

Following are the key points that can help you to identify the significance of academia-industry collaborations:

● Aligned Education with Industry Needs

Initially focused on economic development, collaborations have evolved into a comprehensive approach in recent years to the educational landscape. Institutions, realise the value of practical learning and create an environment using integrated industry-aligned methods where their students can apply theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience. Such an environment and higher education model bring professionally-ready talent, benefiting industries. Students can respond to the demands of the job market efficiently.

● Practical Learning and Business Advancement

While considering academics, the industry-academia partnership provides a platform to address challenges with real-world applications. While developing new skills, students can understand the real impacts of their research. From the point of view of companies, industry-academia collaboration helps improve their business performance by developing new technologies and techniques, extending the capabilities and expertise.

● Requirement of New Synergies

Industry and academia collaboration facilitates the exploration of new synergies and models for companies and institutions. While companies can access expertise and research to fuel innovation, institutions can have new funding opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and industry-specific data. Moreover, partnership enhances the competitive edge of companies and institutions involved with extended
reach to available resources.

● Risk Management Capabilities

When multiple groups work together, their collective efforts enhance the ability to assess, mitigate, and handle uncertainties effectively. Even their knowledge and new perspectives help in identifying and managing potential risks, making informed decisions, and implementing strategies to minimise the negative impacts of uncertainties and challenges.

● Transformative Potential

The new era is marked by technological advancements, and AI-driven digitisation in the construction industry, poised for substantial transformations. Concerted efforts of various industry-academia collaborations combining expertise, resources, and innovation can effectively tackle the challenges in the CRIP (Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project) management

Benefits of industry-academia collaboration

The industry-academia collaborations have a myriad of benefits for the participants.

● Knowledge Exchange: Industry-academia collaboration allows the transfer of theoretical expertise and practical insights between academic institutions and industry professionals.

● Practical relevance: Collaboration ensures that academic courses and research projects remain relevant to challenges in the real world.

● Innovation and problem-solving: Joint actions promote innovation leading to groundbreaking approaches to address industry challenges.

● Skill development: Collaboration with businesses exposes students to real-world systems. It helps them to develop industry-specific skills and enhance their employment prospects.

● Networking opportunities: Industry-academia partnerships expand students’ and researchers’ professional networks and they can stay connected with potential employers and mentors.

● Career prospects: Educational programs aligned with industry requirements increase graduates’ readiness for the business world and enhance job placement opportunities.

● Economic growth: Industry-academia partnerships encourage
entrepreneurship, innovate solutions, and create job opportunities that ultimately boost economic growth.

● Continuous learning: Collaborations create a culture of learning. Academic institutions and companies identify areas for improvement, exchange knowledge and feedback, and enhance course curricula, research projects, and industry practices.

● Bridging Cultural Gap: Collaborations between businesses and academic institutions are a powerful means to bridge the cultural gap. Partners bring unique perspectives and skill sets driven by scientific research and market demands.

NICMAR Developing Industry-ready Scholars

NICMAR, the National Institute of Construction Management and Research, offers specialised education, training, and research services. With a clear understanding of the evolving needs of the industry, we impart the necessary knowledge and skills, effectively.

The NICMAR schedules meetings to bring together professionals, and experts from the construction industry and academia to discuss the pressing needs and opportunities for a strong industry-academia partnership. Our 7th International Conference CRIP (ICCRIP) 2023 is scheduled on 11-12 August 2023.

Promoting these collaborations aims to create a mutually beneficial relationship. They address the industry’s skill gaps and promote research & development to secure the industry’s future sustainability.
Participants engage in brainstorming sessions to identify key areas where industry and academia can do teamwork effectively, for example, industry-driven curriculum design, joint training programs, internships, placements, technology adoption, research projects, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

The university is active in partnerships with leaders, innovators and collaborators, nationally and internationally. Our recent collaborations are with Daniels College of Business, USA for a larger learning curve and YelloSKYE to empower students with the latest drone technologies.

Understanding the importance of sustainable development and social well-being, the university integrates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into its growth strategies. NICMAR focuses on developing meaningful collaborations that go beyond mere financial support to tackle pressing challenges in the CRIP sector.

By partnering with prominent companies in construction industry, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) Ltd, IRCON International Ltd, NCC Ltd, GMR Group and others, the university seeks the opportunity to create a lasting impact in various areas, including sustainable development, environmental conservation, and others. While such industry-academia partnerships offer training and internship opportunities to students, they help companies in their growth by fostering innovation, accessing new skilled talent, and enhancing research and development capabilities.

The Closing

Industry-academia collaborations have immense potential to benefit businesses and institutions with mutually beneficial developments and research. These partnerships contribute to bridging the gap between the construction industry and academia. Preparing students for the professional world, they can provide easy access to practical knowledge, and hands-on training. Industry-aligned education can equip students with the skills and competencies required in the business world.

Simultaneously, enterprises or industries gain fresh perspectives, research-based outcomes and skilled talent that academia offers. Collaborative efforts can create an ecosystem where innovation helps both academia and industry thrive together.

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