Research and Industry Collaboration Are the Pillars of Future-Ready Education

Higher education in India is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by rapid technological advancements, globalization, and policy reforms. At the heart of this transformation lies the need for research-driven learning, strong industry collaboration, and global competitiveness. Prof. Parimal Madke, Vice President of NIIT University, sheds light on these pressing issues in an insightful conversation with Education Post’s Prabhav Anand. India’s higher education sector has long grappled with challenges such as faculty shortages, outdated curricula, and limited industry alignment. However, institutions like NIIT University are taking bold steps to redefine learning by integrating research and development at the core of their academic approach. Prof. Madke emphasizes that every student in technology programs at NIIT University is engaged in R&D projects under faculty guidance, ensuring they not only acquire knowledge but also contribute to real-world problem-solving. Industry collaboration plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical applications. Prof. Madke highlights how NIIT University has pioneered industry-linked programs in partnership with leading organizations such as ICICI Bank, NIIT Technologies, and WNS. These collaborations allow students to gain hands-on experience, making them industry-ready upon graduation. He also stresses that higher education institutions must proactively engage with business leaders and incorporate the latest technological advancements into their curricula to stay relevant in an ever-evolving job market. On the global front, Indian universities have immense potential to attract international students by offering world-class programs at a fraction of the cost compared to Western counterparts. However, Prof. Madke acknowledges that improving quality and aligning with global standards are essential to positioning Indian institutions as attractive destinations for higher education. The recent policy allowing foreign universities to establish campuses in India will further intensify competition, pushing domestic universities to elevate their academic offerings. In alignment with the UGC’s Institutional Development Plans, NIIT University is strengthening its research infrastructure, fostering global partnerships, and enhancing faculty development initiatives. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Indianapolis and Victoria University of Wellington aim to provide students with global exposure and academic mobility. Addressing systemic challenges such as faculty shortages, Prof. Madke underscores the importance of flexible HR policies, incentivizing research output, and promoting digital learning tools to overcome infrastructural constraints. As India’s higher education landscape continues to evolve, institutions must embrace innovation, industry alignment, and international collaborations to remain competitive. In this exclusive interview, Prof. Parimal Madke offers valuable insights into how NIIT University is at the forefront of this change, setting new benchmarks for the future of higher education in India.

Q1. With your extensive background in education and R&D management, how do you envision the role of NIIT University in shaping the future of higher education in India, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements?

We believe that research and development are central to shaping the future of higher education in India. As we move toward a more digitally integrated society, it is essential that educational institutions play a proactive role in fostering R&D that addresses real-world problems. Our R&D initiatives focus on addressing both industry-specific needs and societal challenges.

At NIIT University, we recognize the role of universities in pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Our faculty and students aim to develop innovative solutions to current technological challenges. They leverage their learning and knowledge to develop practical solutions through research and development. Every student in Technology Programmes is engaged in an R&D project under the guidance of the faculty, which leads to delivering technology solutions to specific problems and/or research publications.

Q2. How important is industry collaboration in higher education today, and what best practices can institutions adopt to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs?

As industries continue to evolve with new technologies, it's vital for educational institutions to equip students with both theoretical foundations and practical skills. Collaborating with industries helps close the skills gap by giving students exposure to real-world challenges and the latest technologies. To effectively bridge the gap between what students, learn in the classroom and what industries need, universities need to regularly engage with business leaders and stay in tune with industry trends.

At NIIT University, we address the skills gap by sending every student of every Programme for 6-month Industry Practice to partnering industry. The post-graduate programmes are co-created and delivered for specific organization. Programmes like the MBA (Finance and Banking) with ICICI Bank, MCA programme with NIIT Technologies, MBA (Business Analytics) for WNS and MBA (Intelligent Data Sciences) with NIIT Technologies, NU ensures that students not only gain academic knowledge but also hands-on experience. Internships, industry projects, and access to cutting-edge tools and technologies give students valuable insights into the real world.

Q3. In the context of increasing globalization, how can Indian universities position themselves on the global stage, and what unique value do they offer to international students?

Higher education system in India is one of the largest and the price points are much low as compared to any Western country. This is a big advantage that can be leveraged to attract students globally. India’s diversity and rich cultural heritage are added advantages. However, Indian universities will have to work hard to improve quality. With growing emphasis on innovation and technology, Indian universities can attract international students by offering cutting-edge programmes in fields of technology, engineering, business, and information technology. Universities can further strengthen their global presence by fostering international collaborations, offering exchange programmes, and ensuring that their curricula align with global industry trends and standards.

Q4. With recent policies allowing foreign universities to establish campuses in India, how do you see this influencing the higher education sector and what can Indian institutions learn from global practices?

Allowing foreign universities to establish campuses in India is a positive step as foster greater global competition and thus help in improving educational standards. It will provide Indian students access to world-class programmes without the need to study abroad, while also encouraging domestic institutions to elevate their academic offerings to remain competitive. Indian universities can learn from global practices by adopting advanced teaching methodologies, incorporating more research-driven curricula, and emphasizing interdisciplinary learning. At the same time, the foreign universities will have to work on their price points if they want to get a good share of enrolments from the local market.

Foreign universities bring valuable expertise in student support services, infrastructure, and industry partnerships, which Indian institutions can adapt to improve the overall student experience. This will also promote greater internationalization of campuses, enhancing the cultural diversity and global exposure that students receive.

Q5. The UGC has released guidelines for Institutional Development Plans to foster transformative growth within higher education institutions. Could you elaborate on how NIIT University is aligning its strategic initiatives with these guidelines, and what specific measures are being undertaken to enhance institutional development in line with national objectives?

Our university is focused on expanding research capabilities, forging global partnerships, and creating skill-oriented programmes that align with national goals and industry needs. We have recently entered into global collaborations with institutions like the University of Indianapolis (UINDY), USA and Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), New Zealand, which will provide global mobility to our students.

We are actively enhancing infrastructure to provide students and faculty with state-of-the-art facilities that support both learning and research excellence. Alongside this, the university is committed to faculty development programmes that empower educators with the latest teaching methodologies, research opportunities, and industry insights.

Q6. Despite the proliferation of higher education institutions in India, many, including premier ones like the IITs and IIMs, grapple with faculty shortages and inadequate infrastructure. What measures can be implemented to address these systemic challenges effectively?

Teaching career is not the preferred job option for young post-Graduates. They are lured by the work opportunities in industry. Regulation is also stringent in terms of specifying eligibility for faculty positions in universities. Thus, the universities find themselves in a bind between industry one hand and regulation on the other. This gives very little opportunity to innovate. Within these constraints also, it is possible to get good faculty. Universities can have more liberal HR policies that permit faculty to do consultancy, offer sabbatical leave more liberally, encourage them to go for research opportunities in overseas universities during summer, and create a reward system for research output. Universities should appoint Professors of Practice.

Expanding digital learning tools and hybrid education models can reduce the strain on physical infrastructure while maintaining high-quality education.

Also, forming partnerships with international institutions and industries can help share resources, expertise, and faculty. Streamlining administrative and regulatory processes can help speed up faculty hiring and infrastructure improvements, allowing institutions to tackle these challenges more effectively.

Q7. Reports indicate that the rapid expansion of higher education has led to a surge in graduates who struggle to find employment due to the subpar quality of education. What steps can be taken to align educational outcomes with job market requirements and improve the quality of higher education?

If there is one mantra that can help improve quality of graduates, it is universities engaging with industry as equal partner in higher education. Institutions should focus on updating curricula to reflect industry trends and emerging technologies. Collaborating with industry experts to design relevant, practical programmes will help bridge the skills gap. Additionally, emphasizing experiential learning through internships, projects, and industry partnerships will provide students with hands-on experience and better prepare them for the workforce. Strengthening career services and offering soft skills training such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork can enhance employability.

Faculty development programmes should also be prioritized to ensure educators stay updated with industry standards and teaching methods. Finally, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and research within institutions can encourage students to develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.

Q8. India's higher education research ecosystem faces challenges such as limited R&D funding and weak industry-academia ties. With your background in R&D management, what strategies can be adopted to enhance research capabilities and foster innovation within universities?

India’s higher education research ecosystem faces challenges of finding required resources for high-tech research. Equally true is the fact that the huge R&D infrastructure created by the Government is unable to deliver products for industry. It is also a fact that Indian industry invests scantly in R&D. Thus, all three sets of institutions function in silos. And the MNCs set up their industry R&D labs in India because there is no dearth of talent here. The first and foremost task on hand is remove silos and develop interconnections by which the knowledge workers across the three sets and infrastructure can be pulled together to work on delivering technology products and services as an integrated whole. Such R&D Labs-industry-academia partnerships will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology, creating opportunities for joint research projects and innovation.

Q9. Critics argue that current educational reforms, including the NEP 2020, might not sufficiently address the needs of marginalized communities, potentially widening social disparities. What initiatives do you believe are essential to ensure that higher education reforms promote true inclusivity and equity for all social groups?

To ensure this, several key initiatives are essential. From school level, there should be an effort to nurture talented among them who can scale greater heights. Effort should be in the direction of making them ‘meritorious’ rather than giving them patronage alone without demanding required rigor. Universities are already doing a lot in terms of special scholarships, and financial support.