IEEE hosts higher education summit; discusses future of engineering education

NEW DELHI: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recently organized the IEEE Higher Education Summit: Transforming Engineering Education, Changing Paradigms in India. Educators, industry leaders, and policymakers participated in the summit to discuss the future of engineering education in India.

Tom Coughlin, IEEE President and CEO, delivered the keynote address. He said, “The rapid technological advancements and the changing landscape of industry necessitates a paradigm shift in engineering education. By embracing flexibility, interdisciplinary approaches, and fostering strong industry-academia collaborations, we can equip the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation and address global challenges. IEEE is committed to supporting these transformative efforts and ensuring that engineering education in India remains at the forefront of excellence.”

Francis Staples, Senior International Sales Director at IEEE, started the event with a welcome address, setting a positive tone for the day's discussions. TG Sitharam, chairman of AICTE, delivered an inspiring inaugural address, stressing the need for innovative teaching methods and curriculum reforms to better prepare students for the future. Vinay Kumar Pathak, president of the association of Indian universities and vice-chancellor of CSJMU Kanpur, also gave a special address, highlighting the importance of transforming engineering education to meet the evolving demands of industry and society.

Discussion on NEP 2020 and Indian technical education

One of the panel discussions, moderated by Mini Shaji Thomas, concentrated on “NEP 2020 and Indian Technical Education.” This session delved into the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to transform India’s education system.V Ramgopal Rao, group vice-chancellor for BITS Pilani campuses, gave a Special Address, highlighting the key aspects of NEP 2020 and its potential to revolutionize technical education.

Insights from academic leaders on NEP 2020

Leaders from institutions such as Delhi Technological University, TSCHE, Somaiya University, Shiv Nadar University, and IEEE president-Elect Kathleen A Kramer shared their insights. They discussed NEP 2020’s emphasis on holistic development, flexible learning, interdisciplinary education, and skill development, as well as the challenges and strategies for effective implementation to prepare students for future careers.

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Collaboration to enhance engineering education

Another panel discussion, titled “Industry, Academia, and Professional Societies – Partnering to Deliver Excellence,” moderated by Preeti Bajaj, examined how collaboration among these sectors can enhance engineering education. Mr. Preet Yadav, Chairperson of IEEE CASS & CSS Delhi Chapter and Head of India Innovative Ecosystem at NXP Semiconductors, spoke about industry expectations from engineering graduates.

Addressing real-world challenges through partnerships

Panelists Madhu Chitkara (pro-chancellor, Chitkara University), Rajul K Gajjar (VC, Gujarat Technological University), SV Kota Reddy (VC, VIT AP), and Deepak Mathur (2024 VP, Member and Geographic Activities, IEEE) discussed how partnerships can address real-world challenges, integrate advanced research, and promote best practices. They emphasized the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare a workforce ready to meet today's technological and societal challenges.