Better interaction between Institutions and Industry is the need of an hour. For students it is important because they get exposure to industry and subsequent placement in various disciplines. On the other hand, with the advent of globalization and opening up of Indian economy to outside world, competition among the industries has become stiff. So industries also need good students who are well aware of industry standards and capable of achieving so. Therefore, there is an urgent need of interaction of industry and academics where academic institutes can prepare students for jobs in multinational companies and industry will also be benefited by possibility of receiving well-trained workforce. For this to become reality bridging the gap between industry and the academic institute is a must and for this, an Industry Institute Interaction Cell (IIIC) has to be established.

The Industry Institute Interaction would be possible when a relationship is developed between the two systems. The ultimate aim of this relationship will be the creation of confidence in industry by the institute which would result industries involving voluntarily the institute at various stages of its development.The development of such relationship requires, firstly, careful understanding of the industry needs such as relevant R&D, cost effectiveness, time bound programs, technology up gradation etc. by the Institute and, in turn, understanding the capabilities and imitations of the institute by the Industry.

The Concept of Institute Interaction Cell

As per the industrial policy recently adopted by the Govt. of India, the industrial scenario is fast changing. Industries arecompelled to export a part of their production and complete with multinationals for the internal market. The emphasis has shiftedto quality products and well trained manpower to produce such products. There has been a greater need for industries to depend on technical institutions for R&D and for supply of highly qualified and skilled manpower. Retraining of the work force has become major activity for all industries. There is, thus a good opportunity for institute to interact with industries for mutual benefits.

Recognizing the above, following thrust areas have been identified:

• Reorientation of curriculum
• Exchange of Experts between the Institute and Industry
• Involvement of Teaching Staff in Industry
• Institute as a Consultant in R&D
• Technological Database sharing
• Continuing Education Programme
• Establishment of Linkages

Purpose of Institute Interaction Cell

SOP(STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES) defines how the Industry Institute Interaction Cell functions. It defines number of members on the board, the appointed committees, their responsibilities, accountabilities, and authorities. It also defines how interaction to be implemented and how they function. Many of these aspects are defined in the constitution and bylaws, but others need more clarity to make it easier for everyone to understand.

Objectives of Institute Interaction Cell

The III Cell having following major objectives:

• To evolve educational programs which are consistent with the broad requirements of the industry and which can give rise to engineering personnel capable of coping-up with the accelerating pace of the technological development.
• To create adequate facilities of updating knowledge of professional engineers and technologists to meet growth and developmental needs of the industry
• To coordinate the research and develop mental activities of the two systems
• To cultivate the strong links with industry
• To promote various industrial activities by the faculty members and students.
• To catalyze the further growth and development of interaction between the Institute and Industry.
• To have a closer linkage and promote research suited to industry needs, and consultancy which creates a sense of owning among faculty members.
• To provide continuing education to people working in industries so that they can upgrade their technical knowledge, and / or obtain higher degrees; this orients the faculty members towards the industry from the portals of College i.e. Academics.
• To enable academics to take a sabbatical in industries; provide internships for students in industries, which will prepare the students better for entering the industry.
• To create an industrial chair in the university; and to enable the appointment of experienced industry resource persons as visiting faculty in the College
• To bring about MOU’S and Agreements with various industrial and research organizations in different fields and sectors to promote various forms of interactions.