1. Developing meaningful synergies between higher education institutions and industry operators Alick MOURIESSE, President, SUPINFO International University

2. www.mikif.com Economic growth ? Requires Technological innovation Requires engineers and skilled staff Poses Challenge to educational systems technological breakthroughs in ICT mismatch between new developments and education ICT engineers need to combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills

3. www.mikif.com Cooperative education model apprenticeship-based education prepares students for jobs knowledge of emerging aspects of ICT and soft skills – flair for innovation – Business – management – leadership – team management)

4. www.mikif.com SUPINFO Pedagogical Labs Run by faculty, students and ICT industry leaders Improvements in curriculum design Research internships Students/Companies recruitment meetings

5. www.mikif.com Surveys & Agility The keys to develop synergies Reaching 3 major objectives – Education of students – Producing the employment in industry of competent engineers – contribute to the evolution of basic and applied research. Strong Bilateral relations anonymous questionnaires (Graduate, Faculty, Industry) revision of curriculum on a regular basis – match the offerings and performance of other Universities – satisfy market needs and industry requirements – accommodate trends in technology and scientific innovation Extreme Agility in response to surveys

6. www.mikif.com Conclusion Because industry operators and companies have access to employees coming from multiple education institutions, they represent essential partners if they are allowed to more participate in the education path. There would always be a need for developing synergies between higher education institutions and industry operators as well as a need for continuous updating curriculum to accommodate job market trends and, thanks to valuable inputs from industry, to align with other relevant initiatives in major education institutions worldwide. As a result, graduates would have the knowledge and skills needed to enter successfully into competitive jobs markets. Moreover, closer linkages with industry operators through research internships will help academic staff members to monitor efficiently the needs of the jobs markets and conduct research designed to solve real-world problems.

7. www.mikif.com Thank you