Ideas for MSME-Academia Collaboration for Implementing NEP 2020

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places a great deal of importance on integrating vocational and skill-based learning with general academic education. Putting the policy into practice, especially by implementing skill-based courses at the school and college level that cater to industry needs may sound like a huge challenge. Agreeably so, until recently we did not think so deeply about how to bridge the gap between the skills and the practical demands of the industry. 

Another benefit of this policy provision is the positive social impact; by mainstreaming skills and vocational skills, we aim to reduce the social hierarchy of different streams. In this backdrop, a critical issue re-emerges: how do we ensure active industry participation to realize the goals of NEP 2020?

How about exploring the MSME sector to offer courses that can sensitize students about the world of work, the nature of jobs in manufacturing and services, and the specific technical and non-technical skills they require.

Let’s look at this example: Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) shared guidelines on offering short-term skill courses at the UG level, and the document contains significant details about the in-demand technology topics and more. If colleges want to implement these courses, they can check out the QP-NOS to get started with the course design, content, and assessments. However, the key to success is getting industry exposure, being hands-on, and learning from industry experts.

For many skill-based courses, particularly non-IT courses, whether in the manufacturing or services sectors, it’s expected that the students get to spend time in the industry. Apprenticeships and internships are increasingly being adopted to fulfill this requirement. However, most of these opportunities are available in large enterprises, MNCs, and medium enterprises and are confined to the conventional notion of OJT, or work-based learning.

Industry-academia collaboration through MSMEs

The need of the hour is to create multiple avenues for industry-academia collaboration, especially through micro and small enterprises. We’re yet to leverage the potential of MSMEs in realizing the NEP 2020 goals of vocationalization and entrepreneurship promotion in schools and colleges.

To put the issue in a larger perspective, a recent article in the Economic Times highlighted how the Beauty Sector depends on a wide network of contract manufacturing and service units to meet the growing demand for products and services. Isn’t this true of many other industry sectors that have extensive supply chains? How about reaching out to these small enterprises and seeking their participation in the academic deliberations?

Current industry engagement through CSR and SSCs

At present, much of the industry engagement with educational institutions happens through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives or Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) playing a crucial role in enabling skill education. CSR initiatives, signifying the most common model mostly involves medium and large enterprises working closely with project implementing partners. Other PPP models have often limited their area of influence to institutions like ITIs. What we need today is comprehensive and sustained interaction to truly integrate skills and education – this can be made possible through MSMEs.

Mutually beneficial relationship between industry and academia can begin by involving local enterprises in discussions and decisions pertaining to the skill education life-cycle.This can be achieved through the following 7Cs.

Implementing the 7Cs for Effective Collaboration

Here is how we can leverage the 7Cs framework to enhance industry-academia collaboration with MSMEs under NEP 2020:

1. Curriculum: Aligning courses with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) ensures they meet industry standards. MSMEs can collaborate with educational institutions to co-design curricula that integrate practical skills and credits, motivating students to pursue skill-based learning.
2. Content: Developing learning content that addresses the specific needs of MSMEs ensures the use of practical skills. This tailored content enhances the employability of graduates and supports the growth of local industries.
3. Capacity: Enhancing teacher competency through specialized training programs equips educators to deliver industry-aligned education effectively. By partnering with MSMEs, educators can gain insights into the latest industry practices and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
4. Certification: Implementing a credit-based certification system validates the skills acquired by students and aligns their competencies with industry standards. Recognized certifications make graduates more employable and facilitate seamless entry into the workforce.
5. Connectivity: Leveraging technology for instructional delivery and industry collaboration ensures real-time engagement and updates on industry practices. Digital connectivity fosters a learning environment that prepares students for the evolving demands of MSME sectors.
6. Communication: Creating awareness among stakeholders about industry trends and skill requirements ensures that educational offerings remain relevant. Regular updates and communication channels facilitate ongoing dialogue between academia and MSMEs, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.
7. Collaboration: Facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement between educational institutions, MSMEs, and government bodies fosters a synergistic approach to skill development. Collaborative initiatives such as joint research projects, internships, and industry-academic forums strengthen partnerships and drive innovation within local economies.

With the 7Cs providing a comprehensive framework for collaboration, it is crucial to identify actionable steps that can bridge the gap between academic and vocational learning.

How MSME collaboration can help in realizing NEP 2020 goals

Here are a few practical ways to enhance the integration of skills and education through MSME collaboration: So, what are the ways?

• No separation between academic and skill-based learning: MSMEs could play a significant role in re-imagining and repositioning vocational education, providing a base for students to explore, learn, and experience an industry setup.
• Implementing credit framework for experiential learning: MSMEs, particularly micro and small enterprises, benefit from Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by getting their employees and founders certified in experiential learning and awarding credits for further career growth.
• Professors of practice: The initiative from UGC inviting industry experts to contribute to academics is often seen as an opportunity only for large enterprises. MSMEs could also explore this as a part of academia.
• Demand-driven skill courses: Assessing industry demands for relevant and essential skills allows MSMEs to benefit in two ways: first, they can identify and communicate skill gaps, and second, they can collaborate with academia for practical training, including apprenticeships, thereby building a talent pool.
• Technology adoption: Students can take up projects that benefit MSMEs, especially in emerging technologies. This will help the MSMEs identify areas where they can invest in technology and how it can transform their businesses.

Also read: How MSME training institutions can foster sustainable industry-academia collaboration

By implementing these ideas, it holds immense potential to transform vocational education and bridge the gap between academia and industry. And by working together, educational institutions and MSMEs can ensure that students receive industry-relevant education, MSMEs gain access to a skilled workforce, and the overall ecosystem thrives on increased innovation and economic growth.

But how do we get there? How can we measure the success of these collaborative efforts and ensure they are continuously improving to meet the evolving needs of both students and the industry? What innovative approaches can MSMEs and academia explore to ensure sustained engagement and mutual benefit? This is not just about implementing a policy; it’s about creating a future where MSMEs become engines of skilled employment and economic growth in India.