Industry-Academia Collaboration in India: Recent Initiatives, Issues, Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies

Abstract

Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming the whole nation into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Both education and technology are inter-connected and technology plays a crucial role in imparting education during challenging situation which is evident during the COVID-19 crisis. The global crisis of the COVID-19 virus and the subsequent lockdowns imposed by the government to control the situation has forced the people to stay indoors which has impacted the education sector tremendously. Without the aid of information and communication technology (ICT), it would have been impossible to continue the teaching-learning process during this unprecedented closure of educational institutions due to the pandemic. Information and communication technology (ICT) in learning institutions has enhanced learning by greater heights. Though students from different backgrounds especially those who are from the economically backward section of the society are facing considerable number of challenges to continue the learning process with the help of online education system still with the help of information and communication technology (ICT) educational institutions all over the world are trying their level best to address the situation. In order to keep pace with the current trend of globalization, there is a need of constantly improvising our skills. Proper implementation of the National Education Policy – 2020 in its true sense has the potential to bring remarkable changes by transforming the Indian education system. The main aim of National Education Policy – 2020 is to fill the gap of present education system which is totally mechanized which develops the cramming power of the students but curbs the individual thinking capability of the students. It also interrupts the free thinking of the students. Switching the method of education from rote learning to project/ activity based or experiential learning will enrich the learning experience of the learners through hands-on training experience. It will help to promote scientific temperament among the young learners.