Analyzing the current state of the university-based entrepreneurship ecosystem and industry-academia collaboration in Bangladesh, with the aim of identifying gaps and proposing a model for strengthening the entrepreneurship pipeline. This model will focus on leveraging industry-academia connections within tertiary educational institutions to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, develop industry-relevant skills among graduates, and ultimately contribute to increased youth employment and economic growth in Bangladesh.
Project timeline: February 2024 – February 2025
Partners:
- IDEA (Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy)
- ICT Division
Project objective:
Analyze the current state of industry-academia collaboration (IUC) in Bangladesh within the context of entrepreneurial pipeline development, identify the existing barriers hindering effective IUC, and propose a framework with specific components to foster a more robust and mutually beneficial collaborative environment between universities and industries. This framework aims to stimulate innovation, enhance graduate employability, provide practical learning opportunities, and ultimately contribute to a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh.
Project outcome:
- Understanding of the Current Ecosystem: A comprehensive assessment of the existing R&D and entrepreneurship ecosystem within Bangladeshi tertiary educational institutions.
- Analysis of Industry-Academia Connections: Identification of the current status and effectiveness of industry-academia collaborations in building the entrepreneurship pipeline.
- Identification of Gaps: Pinpointing the key weaknesses and challenges in the current entrepreneurship pipeline-building process in Bangladesh.
- Proposed Ecosystem Model: Development of a workable model for fostering an entrepreneurship ecosystem within universities through enhanced industry-academia collaboration.
- Actionable Agenda: Formulation of specific, actionable recommendations for relevant stakeholders (academia, industry, government) to strengthen the entrepreneurship pipeline.
Locations the project served: Nationwide – covering industries, academia and student value propositions.
Impact:
- Enhanced Employability of Graduates: Improved alignment of university curricula and graduate skills with industry demands, leading to increased employability and reduced graduate unemployment.
- Increased Youth Entrepreneurship: Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and providing necessary skills and resources to university students, resulting in a higher rate of youth-led startups and innovation.
- Strengthened Industry Innovation: Facilitating greater collaboration between universities and industries, leading to increased R&D activities, knowledge transfer, and the development of innovative solutions within the industry.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: A more robust entrepreneurship ecosystem and a skilled workforce will contribute to overall economic growth and the creation of more employment opportunities in Bangladesh.
- Reduced Brain Drain: By creating more opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship within Bangladesh, the project aims to retain talented graduates and reduce the outflow of skilled individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
- Improved University Relevance: Enhanced industry-academia collaboration will make university programs more relevant to the needs of the economy and society, increasing their impact and value.
Download Report