Edin Synergy: An Industry Academia Interface

SDM Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD) in collaboration with Edin Bridge – an voluntary group of HR Professionals had organized Industry-Academia Meet - Edin Synergy: An Industry-Academia Interface on October 26, 2018 at SDMIMD. The event was aimed at enhancing the employability skills of the youth. 
 
The meet was inaugurated by the Guest of Honor, Shri. J. Purushotam, Advocate and Legal Consultant, Mysuru; and Director of SDMIMD Dr. N.R. Parasuraman, presided the inaugural session. In the inaugural address, Shri. Purushotam emphasized the statutory knowledge required by future managers; and, need for universities to keep their curriculum relevant to the current industrial requirements. In his presidential remarks, Dr. N.R. Parasuraman, briefed the audience on the importance of harmonization between institutions and industries for the benefit of students. Further, he stressed on how such interface can address most of the issues related to skill gap.
 
The inaugural session was followed by informative presentation by Ms. Nandini on the topic ‘Emerging Industries in Mysore’ focused on introducing 
 
The key event of the meet was panel discussion. Among the Panelists were experts from the academia and the industry- Mr. Ravichandra Bekal, Founder and consultant; RB consultancy services; Dr. R. Sugant, Professor, Marketing and Placement Director; SDMIMD; Dr. Harish Machiah Kodandera; Principal Associate; Internal Management Consultants; Chairman - NIPM; Mr. Raghavendra Kadakol, Principal - Employee Relations, Infosys, Mysuru. The session was moderated by Ms. Aruna Adarsh; Asst Professor, JSS Center for Management Studies (JSSCMS). 
 
The panel got into good deliberations on how academia and industry interface can address the widening skill gaps. The session started with the discussion on issues identifying current skill gaps, challenges with addressing these new age skills and way path forward.
 
Mr. Ravichandra, gave his insights on how fourth industrial revolution, would impact jobs in a typical manufacturing industry. He opined that the industry should hire suitable candidates, train and orient them to job requirement as it cannot be the purview of the institutions. He further added that institutions should rope in Industries to develop their faculties. Mr. Ravichandra opined that organizing FDP programs and deputing faculties on internship to industries would contribute in better learning and knowledge sharing according to him.
 
Dr. Harish Machaiah believed that it’s the responsibility of both Academia and industry to support each other. He opined that today’s youth are not job ready for global firms, pointing out the inability of many in communicating well. He strongly emphasized role of soft skills in current job market and said that it is supposed to be the most sought-after skill. However, he believed both industry and academia work on different ideologies, they have to respect the ideologies and contribute to improve the situation.
 
Dr. R. Sugant discussing his views, said that internships, live projects, training programs, and student’s voluntary involvement in various activities can enhance employability. He added, that student participation in various events is very crucial, in chosing and shaping their careers. Dr. Sugant opined that as per the available statistics and trends there is no dearth for jobs to an educated skilled youth, it is the individual / students capability to use the facilities and opportunities available and present them as industry ready. 
 
Mr. Raghavendra, sharing his experiences said that decision on reskilling and retraining his employees are taken when customer demands.  He comforted students by saying that new technology will not lead to major displacements instead encourage more job opportunities. He also added, how and why current jobs prefer human skills over technical skills. Mr. Raghavendra shared the effort of Infosys in imparting skills among youth and make them industry ready. 
 
Overall the discussion was very enriching and insightful. The participation has the representation from industry, academia, placement department, and students. The discussion concluded with the formal vote of thanks by the Host for Day Mr. Goutam from Edin Bridge.