INDUSTRY & IITS: A SYNERGETIC RELATIONSHIP
3.1 Close linkages between academics and industry have been discussed at considerable length and unanimously advocated. During the past few years, there is evidence of a closer relationship developing. Despite this, the lines of communication between industry and IITs are by no means as strong as they need be. The perception in industry continues to be one of apprehension. There is a lack of conviction that responses to problem solving and joint research will be prompt and timebound. IITs should make their approach proactive and treat interaction with industry, as a "service" (providing trained technical manpower) to the "customer" (Industry, R&D Centre, etc.)
Involving IIT Alumni Associations 3.2 IIT Alumni Association could be one means by which linkages could be improved. IIT Alumni are significant in number and occupy positions of importance in industry. The Group recognises that while a beginning has been made, Alumni Associations continue to feel that their involvement is sought largely for the purpose of fund raising and not for involving them in important issues of decision- making. This impression needs be dispelled by affirmative action.
Technology Missions 3.3 To foster inter-IIT synergy as well as IIT-industry interaction, the Government has already constituted Technology Development Missions in certain synergy areas. This is an encouraging development as each of the seven missions requires the involvement of atleast two IITs and several industrial houses. As the outcome of each project is planned jointly with industry in terms of specific and usable deliverables industry remains a close partner it ensures close interface. The fact that industry also contributes 25 percent of the cost make for a business like relationship. The Group recommends that this model should be extended to cover more areas and involve those RECs who establish an affiliate relationship with IITs.
Industry's Involvement in IIT Management 3.4 The Group is of the view that industry should have a stake in running IITs and should contribute by deputing their manpower as visiting faculty. While there is representation from Industry on the Boards of Governors, expansion of the Boards involving captains of industry, is strongly recommended. The model of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which has membership from industry, alumni and the government is worth emulating,
IIT - Industry Linkages 3.5 By involving the industry more pro-actively, budgetary support could be reduced and ultimately full self-sufficiency achieved. For example, at present, UG students receive only short periods of industry exposure. This is of limited benefit to the student and a burden on industry. The Group recommends that all UG students be required to spend a full semester attachment with industry. During this period, they would be assigned a specific project by the company who would compensate both the IIT and the student. As current wage levels for new entrants are in excess of Rs. 5,000 per month, industry could pay 50 percent of this amount as stipend to the student and the balance as compensation to the IIT.
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The IIT Delhi has already constituted a Foundation for Industry Technology Transfer (FITT) to facilitate interaction with Industry. The Group recommends that the programmes indicated below should not only be incorporated in FITT's programme but should be supported by an aggressive marketing campaign.
Industrial Liaison Programme: An industry association on an annual membership basis.
Direct Research Programme: On a cost reimbursement basis.
Consortium Programmes: Supported by groups of companies having common research interests.
Consultancy: On an individual basis, with faculty members directly, with ensured confidentiality.
As MIT is able to generate 60 percent of its operating costs by the type of programmes described above, it should be the endeavour of IITs to work towards this target.
Hi-tech Parks 3.6 Yet another method of fostering industry linkages would be by designating selected facilities within departments as 'Hi-tech Parks'. The intention would be to provide industry associations or individual industrial houses easy and on-going access to a laboratory facilities for testing and development which has the equipment tailored to its specific needs. For example, manufacturers of rubber goods could formally link up with Polymer Sciences Laboratory. Industry would not only suggest research programmes which it wishes to pursue in association with the departmental faculty but also use its facilities for testing or development in a particular area. To make this proposition more attractive to Industry, each of these Parks could be named after an Industrial Group provided it funds the acquisition of new testing equipment of a certain minimum value.
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