Why Companies Really Need to Partner with Universities / ITech content

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Deputy Head of the Department of the Russian Venture Company at MIPT. Since 2011, the department has offered two master's programs: "Venture Investments and Technological Entrepreneurship" and "Applied Artificial Intelligence". A significant number of graduates from these programs completed their studies with their own startups instead of traditional theses, highlighting the practical focus of the training and the importance of an innovative approach to education.

With Anastasia's permission, we are publishing her post on the benefits of establishing company-affiliated departments at universities. The creation of such departments opens new opportunities for interaction between educational institutions and businesses. This allows students to acquire practical knowledge and skills that meet the modern demands of the labor market. Furthermore, these departments contribute to the development of scientific research and innovation potential, providing companies with access to fresh ideas and talented talent. Collaboration with universities helps companies develop professional standards and improve the quality of specialist training, which, in turn, increases competitiveness in the market.

I recently shared my opinion on joint departments with a representative of a major publication. During the conversation, the journalist noted that many companies claim that by creating joint departments, they bring practical experience to educational institutions and actively seek new specialists. In her opinion, this has become a common theme, and she asked to talk about something more original and non-obvious.

The creation of joint departments and programs with universities is aimed at forming and developing professional and business communities. My experience confirms that such initiatives contribute to strengthening ties between educational institutions and industry, and also help prepare qualified specialists who meet modern market demands.

After talking with the journalist, I decided to familiarize myself with international publications, such as the Elsevier article "University-Industry Collaboration" 2021 and the UK government report "The Dowling Review of Business-University Research Collaborations." All these materials emphasize that collaboration between businesses and universities brings strategic benefits for the development of both the professional and business communities. This interaction is beneficial for all participants: companies, universities, and students. Synergy between academia and industry fosters innovation, improves the quality of education, and helps prepare qualified personnel who meet market demands.

• For universities: Strategic collaboration with companies gives universities the advantage of participating in solving complex practical problems using modern tools. Universities see that the results of their work have a tangible impact on industry, while they themselves gain access to new skills, data, and equipment.
• For companies, this is an opportunity to improve business efficiency through the development of new methods and technologies, reduce the risk of investing in projects (whether research and development or testing business ideas), and expand the capabilities and experience available in the regular business environment.

By collaborating with higher education institutions, a company actively develops its ecosystem. This term may raise some concerns, but it reflects the importance of building strong professional relationships in any industry. In the educational process, it's not enough to simply transfer knowledge; it's necessary to create conditions for interaction and collaboration. The university environment provides ideal opportunities for this. In the master's program, students study together for two years, many of whom are already working, and the teaching is led by industry experts. The training is project-based, allowing students to solve real-world problems and create practical projects that meet current industry requirements. Thus, interaction with universities not only enriches the educational process but also contributes to the development of highly qualified specialists prepared for the challenges of the modern market.

I recall an interesting example from a high-tech company in the energy sector. Its management decided to send young employees on two-year training programs abroad with full reimbursement of expenses. At first glance, such an investment may seem unjustified due to the high costs and lack of guarantees of return. However, it is important to understand that traditional targeted training contracts often fail to retain employees. Nevertheless, such initiatives can significantly improve employee skills and motivation, which brings invaluable benefits to the company in the long run. Investments in education become a strategic move that allows not only to develop internal potential but also to strengthen competitive positions in the market.

The logic turned out to be simple and wise: young employees in their 20s are in the process of forming strong relationships. After studying for two years with international students and dispersing around the world, they continue to maintain these connections. A shared industry ensures the preservation of cutting-edge knowledge, which contributes to the development of the company's business and the industry as a whole. Even after leaving the parent company, employees remain loyal and maintain professional contacts, which facilitates further development and the exchange of experience within the industry.

• For students, this is an opportunity for direct access to the industry and the professional community.

Students in our master's program come to us with the goal of developing their business projects, finding business partners, and entering new professional fields. Currently, 46% of our graduates work in technology companies, 26% in banks and venture capital funds, 12% have created their own startups, and the rest work in consulting firms and universities. Our program provides unique opportunities for career growth and the development of entrepreneurial skills.

Reading is an important part of our lives. It develops our thinking, expands our vocabulary, and helps us gain new knowledge. Books, articles, and blogs can enrich our experiences and inspire new ideas. Regular reading not only improves concentration but also helps reduce stress.

To achieve the maximum benefit from reading, it is recommended to choose a variety of genres and topics to develop critical thinking and mental flexibility. This will allow you to not only have fun but also deepen your knowledge in areas of interest. Reading also helps improve writing and communication skills.

Don't forget about consistency. Set a goal to read every day, even if it's just short passages. This will help you develop a habit and make reading an integral part of your life.

Reading not only brings pleasure but also significant benefits for personal and professional growth. Invest time in books and articles to enrich your inner world.

• How should career centers at universities change?
• How universities are implementing the "Startup as a Diploma" program?
• How to develop cross-disciplinarity in students and employees?
• Interview about ecosystems in education.