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Knowledge Partnerships - Key to Economic Success

12 November 2010

GOPIO President Lord Diljit Rana pictured with Dr Shaleen Singhal from Ulster's School of the Built Environment

Researchers at the University of Ulster are leading the way in creating knowledge partnerships with academic, business and professional institutions in India.Speaking at the Annual International Conference of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) held in London, Dr Shaleen Singhal, from the School of the Built Environment, said forging such partnerships is the key to promoting sustained economic stability and competitiveness.

“The University of Ulster is creating an exemplar in establishing knowledge partnerships through cutting-edge research with pioneering institutions in India,” said Dr Singhal.“The Indian Diaspora reinforces the significance of a knowledge based economy and creation of vibrant centres for creative research and education.

“Research partnerships in the School of the Built Environment are addressing international goals of economic competitiveness and sustainability in cities of emerging and mature economies.“Significant sustainable development issues including low carbon growth, energy and the built environment, infrastructure performance, public private partnership models, business networks and competitiveness of cities are the focus of this collaboration with institutions in India”.

Addressing a high profile audience which included the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Nalin Surie, Dr Singhal said intensifying linkages between business and higher education and deepening research-led strategies and educational programmes for sustainability were vital for the advancement of the knowledge economy in India.Lord Diljit Rana, President GOPIO International, added:  “Dr Singhal’s message for strengthening partnership based knowledge economy reinforces GOPIO’s efforts towards integrated environmental, social and economic development for people of India and international community. Dr Singhal’s research reinforces the vision of Indian Diaspora and reflects a new strategic direction for the knowledge economy under challenging conditions."