KP ORIC Forum Meeting Fosters Collaboration for Innovation and Research Advancement

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ORIC Forum Meeting organized by ORIC, University of Malakand: 

It is vital to share success stories and best practices with new universities so that they do not face hurdles in making solid progress in academic research and innovation and by pooling our expertise and resources, we can create a more conducive environment for research, innovation, and commercialization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This was stated by Vice Chancellor University of Malakand Professor Dr. Rashid Ahmad while chairing the KP ORIC Forum Meeting here at the University of Malakand under the theme of ‘Collaborate, Innovate and Excel’

Directors and representatives of public and private sector universities of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) of the province participated in the meeting to share their perspectives and learn from each other’s experiences. 

Key issues that came under discussion included sharing of success stories and achievements of different ORICs as well identification of difficulties and challenges faced by ORIC Offices. The forum also identified key of areas of collaboration and emphasis was placed on identifying opportunities for inter-university collaboration and synergy. 

The meeting also stressed for identifying ways and strategies to strengthen university & industry linkages. The members were unanimous that an enhanced collaboration between academia and industry creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders. It was also discussed to ensure funding for ORIC from Provincial Government and to explore strategies to secure sustainable funding for ORICs. 

The forum highlighted the significance of entrepreneurship ecosystem and participants stressed to find ways to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including support for startups, access to funding, and incubation programs.

Vice Chancellor University of Malakand Professor Dr. Rashid Ahmad and Director ORIC Dr. Muhammad Usman thanked all participants for their esteemed feedback and opinions. They particularly acknowledged valuable inputs of Ms. Noshaba Awais, HEC Director Research for Innovation who participated in the forum as guest of honor.