Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheemur Rehman Saigol chaired a meeting of the LCCI Standing Committee on Industry-Academia Linkages to discuss practical ways to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and the industrial sector, according to a statement issued on Saturday.

The meeting focused on promoting skill-based education and connecting research with economic development.

Addressing the meeting, Saigol said the modern global economy is based on knowledge, research and technology, while a clear gap exists in Pakistan between academic output and industrial requirements. He said LCCI would act as an effective bridge to connect universities, industry and policymakers so they can move forward in a unified direction.

He emphasised that students need practical skills along with theoretical education. Exposure to industrial environments during studies would improve employment opportunities for graduates and enhance industrial productivity. He also proposed forming sector-specific industry-academia working groups to ensure continuous collaboration.

Committee Convener Umer Saleem said a large portion of research in Pakistan does not reach practical application due to lack of direct coordination between industry and universities. He stressed that university research projects should be linked with real industrial challenges.

He further suggested providing industrial support to final-year projects, startup ideas and incubation centres so that young people can become entrepreneurs instead of only job seekers.