IIM Kashipur discusses industry-academia collaboration at CII state council meeting

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur hosted the 4th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) State Council members meeting on October 18, 2024. The event gathered industry professionals and academic leaders to discuss collaborative strategies for driving growth and development across various sectors in Uttarakhand and the Northern Region.

Somnath Chakrabarti, Director-in-Charge of IIM Kashipur, emphasized the importance of regular engagements like these meetings in building strong mutual connections. He expressed enthusiasm about hosting industry representatives on campus, stating, “We are happy to welcome the industry and it’s delegates to the campus. We want to deepen and broaden the ties between industry and IIM Kashipur.”

About CII-Uttarakhand

CII-Uttarakhand is an industry body established following the creation of the state, operates under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the national level. It functions as a platform for addressing regional industrial challenges, with regular rotational meetings to facilitate discussions on key issues and promote sustainable growth in Uttarakhand.

Strengthening industry collaboration

Kanishk Jain, chairman of CII-Uttarakhand, highlighted that IIM Kashipur’s involvement strengthens industry efforts in the region, with businesses looking to institutions like IIM for collaboration.

“IIM joining the CII fold and becoming active is a shot in the arm for industry in Uttarakhand which is poised for growth. Industry looks towards premier institutions to support and collaborate with industry in numerous ways” said Kanishk Jain.

Importance of industry-academia partnerships

Kunal Ganguly, dean (Development) at IIM Kashipur, emphasized the importance of industry-academia partnerships, stating that the institute offers management development and in-company programs that significantly benefit industry.

“IIM Kashipur offers various management development programmes for training of executives of Industry and also in-company programs which benefit the industry immensely” said Kunal Ganguly.

Also read IIM Kashipur launches Uttarakhand Cell to boost agricultural development; self-discipline as key to success

Airport expansion

The IIM Kashipur director highlighted collaborative opportunities for mutual growth between the institute and industry. Pantnagar Airport director, Monika Dembla, briefed industry representatives on the planned airport expansion, addressing their concerns and highlighting its potential to enhance regional connectivity.

IIM Kashipur's experiential learning programme

Vaibhav Bhamoriya, faculty at IIM Kashipur and CII-UK state council member, highlighted the institute's contribution to Uttarakhand through its experiential learning programme. Nearly 1,000 students, over multiple batches, have each dedicated around 500 hours to supporting the development of small organizations, including MSMEs and their value chain partners.

CII members stressed the importance of timely execution, linking the project to economic growth in Uttarakhand. Additionally, Nupur Raman, AVP at Medha, discussed challenges in the skilling sector, urging industries to engage with skilling initiatives to address workforce gaps and support regional development.

The IIM Kashipur official press release read, "The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all participants pledging to work together toward constructing a vibrant and thriving Uttarakhand. Industry leaders, government representatives, and academia pledged to fostering closer partnerships, leveraging shared expertise, and driving sustainable development across key sectors. The collective goal is to unlock the full potential of the region, creating new opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity."