Lahore, Leading experts gathered at the 9th Invention to Innovation Summit underscored the need for a tripartite collaboration between government, industry, and academia to lead Pakistan out of its current crisis and onto the path of development. The summit, which reconvened after a five-year hiatus, was hosted by the Punjab University Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization.
According to University of The Punjab, prominent figures like Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission Prof Dr. Shahid Munir, Pakistan Science Foundation Chairman Muhammad Akram Sheikh, and Chief Advisor University of Management and Technology Abid K Sherwani, among others, addressed the gathering. They highlighted the crucial role of innovation in steering nations towards progress and the pivotal position educational institutions hold in this regard.
Prof Dr. Shahid Munir pointed out the stark contrast between Pakistan’s current innovation ranking and its position in the 1960s, citing inadequate expenditure on education and research as key factors in the country’s lagging performance. He emphasized the importance of educational institutions in producing industry-relevant innovations and fostering entrepreneurship among students for economic development.
The summit also served as a platform for industry and government representatives to engage with academia. Punjab University’s collaborations with the industry were showcased, including the establishment of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce office in Hailey College of Commerce. The revival of the summit series was praised, with Director ORIC Dr. Shakil and his team receiving commendations for their efforts.
The session featured discussions on the crucial need for applied research and the development of an intellectual property and research commercialization policy framework by PHEC. Speakers like Dr. Khalid Mahmood and Abid K Sherwani stressed the untapped potential of Pakistan’s natural resources and youth demographic, as well as the dire need for educational reform, moving away from rote learning to foster creative thinking.
The summit included an exhibition where students and researchers displayed their innovative products and models, reflecting the research achievements of various industries and academic institutions across Pakistan. This event not only highlights the country’s research potential but also aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in Pakistan’s educational landscape.