ISLAMABAD, Oct 3: The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) conducted a five-day short course on entrepreneurship aimed at developing a competent scientific and technical manpower to meet the country’s public and private sector needs.

Prof Mathew James Manimala of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, India, conducted the course from September 28 to October 2.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the course, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr M Akram Sheikh said that the global business game today was not only influenced by the developed world but was also being shaped by the developing economies.

“The international stature of a nation is determined by its economic clout. That being the case, the shortest route to national prosperity and global ascendancy is via well-managed industries and competent entrepreneurs.

“Academia being the traditional bastion of education and training, exists to provide a vibrant environment in which students can learn by simulating real life management,” said Dr M Akram Sheikh.

He said the poverty reduction strategy provided a strong and credible plan for the coming years to achieve lasting reduction in poverty, which could only work with the creation of an environment favourable to the growth of small and medium-size enterprises. What is needed, then, is a comprehensive policy package aimed at developing an entrepreneurial Pakistan, he added.

“The initiative that Nust has taken in this regard is highly commendable, which clearly reflects the visionary and futuristic approach of its rector. Such forums provide the students and new entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn the tricks of the trade and mitigate the risks involved. It also helps the students to acquaint themselves with the issues and challenges facing global startups.”

Dr Mathew James, an eminent professor of organization behaviour, and Jumna Raghavan, the chair professor of entrepreneurship at the Indian Institute of Management at Bangalore, conducted the course on entrepreneurship.

The course included sessions on various issues related to the creation and development of enterprises such as entrepreneurial innovation entrepreneurial activities, creativity, business opportunities identification, preparation of business plans, and so on.

Faculty and students of Nust constituent colleges/institutes including NUST Institute of Management Sciences, Rawalpindi, College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, Rawalpindi, NUST Institute of Information Technology, Rawalpindi, Institute of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Rawalpindi, College of Aeronautical Engineering, Risalpur, Centre for Cyber Technology & Spectrum Management, Islamabad, Technology Incubation Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan Naval Engineering College, Karachi, Military College of Signals, Rawalpindi, and Army Medical College Rawalpindi attended the course.