Ayesha Saba

Establishing centres of excellence (CoEs) in universities holds immense potential to catalyse Pakistan's economic landscape. These centres, strategically embedded in higher education institutions, can spearhead transformative advancements in the digital sphere, Adnan Ahmed Khan, Head of Department of Computer Software Engineering, NUST, said while talking to WealthPK. “Pakistan is facing the pressing challenge of advanced technological innovation,” he said. “Universities are considered the engine of innovation, knowledge generation, learning & development, professional skills, research, and teaching. However, many Pakistani universities do not prioritize research in cutting-edge technologies, thus limiting the generation of new ideas and solutions.” “NUST has evolved into a comprehensive university committed to merit, innovation, and partnerships for sustainable development within the fields of research and innovation,” he said. “In Pakistan, the National Science & Technology Park (NSTP) is the first integrated science and technology park.

This initiative aims to revive the country's knowledge-based economy by boosting and nurturing hi-tech entities based on innovation,” he told WealthPK. “With the establishment of these CoEs, this facility will help the government's align the country's science, technology, and innovation ecosystem with a world where national and human development is driven by rapid changes in technology. It will help students, academics and industries come up with various solutions to drive the country's economic growth in line with the National Development Strategy and Vision 2030,” he added. Talking to WealthPK, Director of Strategic Planning at the Special Technology Zone Authority (STZA) Hamza Saeed said, “Digital technology has squeezed the world into a global village, creating multiple opportunities in all occupations. Such changes are visibly seen in education, research and development (R&D), business, and entrepreneurial activities. Perhaps, the global economy in the modern era depends upon the excessive use of digitization due to a knowledge-based economy.”

“Pakistani universities need to focus on curriculum modernization, practical training, faculty development, research incentives, industry partnerships, and embracing e-learning technologies,” he said. “Governments and policymakers should play a crucial role by promoting a conducive regulatory environment, allocating sufficient funding, and incentivizing collaboration between the academia and industry,” he suggested. Secretary of Ministry of Planning and Development Syed Zafar Ali Shah said, “Pakistan is embarking on an exciting journey in the realm of science & technology with the establishment of centres of nano technology, quantum computing & new manufacturing.” He also emphasized the importance of investing in the emerging markets to increase the competitiveness of the country’s youth and to face the challenges of the future. These CoEs would be established at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), NED University of Engineering and Technology, Al-Khwarizmi Institute of Computer Science, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore and NUST, Islamabad.

Credit: INP-WealthPk