Thiruvananthapuram, September 18 (IANS). With the aim of making Kerala a major knowledge hub of the world, the state government will start 'Knowledge Valley' and 'Research Park'. Higher Education Minister Rosie M. John gave this information on Friday.
This project will be taken forward on the basis of the higher education and research system already existing in Kerala. In this, along with ensuring greater participation of the private sector, possibilities of partnership with international universities will also be explored.
The proposal was discussed at a round table meeting held on the last day of the three-day 'Reimagining Keralam' programme. Higher Education Minister Rosy M. John and Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department B. Ashoka led the discussion.
Rosie M. John said that this project will not be limited to creating just another separate institute, but will create a platform that will connect education, research, industry and global opportunities.
He said its aim is to generate economic benefits and provide more opportunities for the youth. Focus should be on practicalizing Kerala's research potential and creating economic opportunities from it.
The proposed research park will have strong linkages with industries. Shared modern facilities and centers of excellence will be provided here. Apart from this, technology transfer, preparation of early models of new products i.e. prototypes and development of cutting-edge technology will also be encouraged.
The participants in the meeting stressed the need for better coordination between universities, research institutes and industries. He said that research should not be limited to the traditional educational system.
He suggested that in PhD programs, more importance can be given to research related to real-life problems and industries instead of relying more on dissertation alone.
Research related to health sector was said to be an area where partnership with industries can prove helpful. Through such partnerships, research can be transformed into products, services and business opportunities.
A large amount of academic research is not being fully utilized in Kerala. In the meeting, it was proposed to systematically review theses at post graduate level, so that useful and promising research can be identified.
Artificial intelligence can be used for initial investigation. After this experts can assess the research. Retired professors can also be involved in reviewing good research and developing it further.
Knowledge Valley can also be linked to the University Township Program of the Central Government. Under this, universities of the country and abroad can be brought on one platform with shared laboratories and other facilities. Apart from this, a proposal to create a global virtual classroom was also made.
The meeting also proposed to conduct a 'knowledge audit' to gather information about Kerala's research institutions, expertise, infrastructure and intellectual property.
There are about 47 research institutes in Kerala working in various fields including space, agriculture and minerals. These institutions can be made part of the proposed knowledge network.
–IANS
AMT/ABM