MRIIRS strengthens research, innovation in South Asia with Erasmus Plus initiative

NEW DELHI: Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) is contributing in advancing academic excellence, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial growth in South Asia under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) initiative.

The university is working towards the Next Generation Specialist Information Support (NSIS) project titled “Developing Information, Research, and Digital Skills for Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal,” co-funded by the European Union.

This initiative aims to bridge the gap between education, research, and industry across these nations, enhancing skills that are vital for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The consortia for this project includes partners from Ireland, Kazakhstan, Romania, Greece, Germany, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Empowering higher education for future

Erasmus+ CBHE, a flagship European Union program, funds projects designed to modernize higher education by integrating research-driven learning, digital advancements, and collaboration with industries. The NSIS project, which is a part of this broader initiative, equips higher education institutions (HEIs) with the expertise and technological resources necessary to promote innovation and economic development in South Asia.

The MRIIRS team, under the leadership of Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of MRIIRS, and Dr. Sarita Sachdeva, Executive Director & Dean of Research at MRIIRS, is spearheading the project’s development. The project is designed to enhance the knowledge economies of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, addressing the evolving needs of education, research, and industry in these countries.

The team at MRIIRS includes distinguished faculty members such as RK Arora, Monika Goel, Anindita C Rao, Rajesh Kumar, and Dr. Charu Rajpal, who are playing an integral role in executing the project and fostering cross-country collaboration in education and entrepreneurship.

Commitment to research-driven growth

Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of MRIIRS, emphasised the significance of the project, stating, “This collaboration reaffirms Manav Rachna’s commitment to empowering institutions with research-driven digital and entrepreneurial skills essential for economic growth and knowledge-driven societies. Our contribution to this initiative aligns with our vision of making a lasting impact on higher education across South Asia.”

Sarita Sachdeva, Project Lead and Executive Director & Dean of Research at MRIIRS, shared her perspective on the initiative, saying, “Through this initiative, we are not just enhancing research capabilities, but also ensuring that higher education remains at the forefront of business and innovation. This project will strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, fostering a sustainable and research-intensive ecosystem.”

A future-oriented ecosystem

With emphasis on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and research excellence, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies continues to lead in fostering global academic advancements. This project is expected to enhance the role of Information Support (IS) professionals in strengthening higher education, business, and research. By fostering an ecosystem that blends academic expertise with industry collaboration, MRIIRS is reinforcing its leadership in impactful education and innovation.

As South Asia moves toward a knowledge-driven future, initiatives like the NSIS project are vital in ensuring that academic institutions are equipped to lead and support the transformation of economies, businesses, and societies.