India

Making the Indian higher education system future ready
FICCI Higher Education Summit 2009

Contents

Foreword Executive summary Introduction Financial innovation Innovative use of ICT Reinvigorating research Thrust to vocational education and training Regulatory reforms Glossary Acknowledgements About FICCI

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Foreword

Dear Readers, At any given time, higher education has been a key factor for its ability to change and to induce change and progress in the society. Not surprising that in today’s globalised economy, it is the globalisation of knowledge that will enable us to deal with the present and future challenges that is confronting us in every sphere of life, whether it is in environment, health or food security. Today India and China, are in advantageous position with the young demographic profile in the graying global world as they would be providing the bulk of skilled and semi-skilled workforce to the world in near future. It’s an opportunity that China has been preparing to leverage since the early 90’s. However, in India, higher education is confronted with formidable challenges and must proceed to the most radical change and renewal it has ever been required to undertake, so that we can transcend not just the mere economic considerations but also incorporate deeper socio—cultural dimensions that will enable us to create an environmentally sustainable world. It is heartening to see that higher education reforms are high on the agenda of the new government with emphasis on expansion, inclusion, and excellence as the pillars of higher education. Taking its cue from the government agenda, FICCI-E&Y Study has aimed at identifying the current scenario and practices in the universities and higher education institutions through a primary survey, infer key issues and challenges, reflect on the best practices, and suggest an action plan for “Make Indian Higher Education Future Ready”. The Study identifies and reinforces... [continues]

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