INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA COLLABORATION: A MUST FOR AI WORKFORCE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it is an undeniable force transforming industries, economies, and job roles at an unprecedented pace.

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From automating complex processes in manufacturing to revolutionising medical diagnostics, from reshaping financial services through fintech to redefining creativity with GENAI, the impact of AI is everywhere. Yet, as industries rush to integrate AI-driven solutions, a glaring problem has emerged—the widening gap between the skills the workforce needs and the training that universities provide.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that by 2025, nearly 85 million jobs will be displaced due to automation, while 97 million new AI-augmented roles will emerge. Yet without robust skill pipelines, these opportunities may remain unfulfilled. A staggering 75% of companies globally report difficulties in finding AI-skilled talent, despite a surge in AI-driven job openings. Traditional higher education, built on rigid curricula and theoretical instruction, is struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI. The conventional degree model, which prioritises textbook knowledge over hands-on experience, is proving inadequate in an era where employers demand immediate industry readiness.