Prime Minister's adviser on education and primary and mass education, Dr Mahdi Amin, announced that the government plans to establish innovation hubs, incubation centres, and startup ecosystems at universities across Bangladesh. Speaking at the 'Vice-Chancellors' Dialogue: Shaping the Future of Higher Education', Dr Amin emphasized the government's commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and research within the higher education sector.
The two-day national policy dialogue, organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project of the University Grants Commission (UGC), brought together vice-chancellors of around 65 public and private universities, policymakers, academics, and experts. The event focused on strategic leadership, quality teaching, research and innovation, university-industry collaboration, and digital transformation.
Dr Amin highlighted the government's intention to provide support and funding to universities for building innovation ecosystems. He encouraged universities to organize innovation and idea competitions, offering grants to promising ideas that could address national or local problems. Additionally, he stressed the need to create connectivity between industrial clusters, hi-tech parks, economic zones, and local universities to provide students with opportunities to work in these facilities and receive policy support.
The adviser also proposed policy and institutional support for student entrepreneurs, particularly in navigating licensing and regulatory complications. He called for a significant increase in research funding for the next fiscal year, aiming to solve local problems through research. Dr Amin suggested transforming brain drain into brain circulation by connecting Bangladeshi academics and researchers abroad with local universities, proposing visiting faculty and fellowship programs. He also advocated for introducing a summer-school culture and facilitating easier credit transfers between universities.
FAQ
- **What are innovation hubs?** Innovation hubs are centers designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and the development of new ideas and technologies. They provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. - **How will these hubs benefit universities?** These hubs will enable universities to support student entrepreneurs, provide incubation facilities, and create a conducive environment for turning ideas into viable startups. They will also enhance university-industry collaboration. - **What is the government's role in this initiative?** The government will offer policy support, funding, and facilitate necessary institutional changes to help universities establish and maintain these innovation hubs and startup ecosystems. - **How will this initiative impact students?** Students will have greater opportunities to engage in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. They will gain practical experience, access to resources, and potential funding for their ideas, ultimately preparing them for the job market and contributing to economic growth.
