IIM Jammu holds Mumbai Roundtable Conference to foster Innovation and Industry-Academia Partnerships

Delhi, Sept 2025 : The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted a landmark Mumbai Roundtable Conference on 12th September 2025 at Hotel Orchid, Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to deliberate on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, addressing workforce evolution, and leveraging technology to prepare students for future employment.

The Roundtable Conference was graced by Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, Padma Shri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, and Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. B.S. Sahay, along with other eminent dignitaries from the industry. The event commenced with participant registration, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and an introductory video on IIM Jammu, setting the tone for a series of insightful discussions.

In his address, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, Padma Shri Dr. Milind P. Kamble emphasized that the Mumbai Roundtable Conference represents a significant step in IIM Jammu’s efforts to foster purposeful collaboration between academia and industry. He noted that in today’s fast-evolving global landscape, academic institutions must not operate in silos but engage proactively with industry leaders to co-create solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable. He further urged both academic and industry stakeholders to work together on areas of critical importance such as climate change, digital transformation, and equitable growth, reiterating that the strength of such partnerships lies in their ability to bring diverse perspectives to a common table.

Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. B.S. Sahay underscored the Institute’s impressive growth journey and its steadfast focus on integrating academic excellence with practical, real-world exposure through strong industry linkages. He stressed that such partnerships are vital in creating a dynamic and future-ready education ecosystem, one that nurtures graduates who are both intellectually robust and industry-prepared. He highlighted the significance of initiatives like Project YUVA, launched in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in fostering employment generation through entrepreneurship. He urged all stakeholders to align their personal and institutional aspirations with the broader mission of national growth and nation building. He also reiterated that IIM Jammu has achieved the rare distinction of securing two prestigious international accreditations, BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation, for its MBA programme in the same year.

Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, Prof. Jabir Ali in his introductory remarks outlined the Roundtable Conference as a pivotal platform for bridging academic insights with industry practices. He stressed the importance of such forums in aligning educational frameworks with the dynamic and evolving demands of the workforce.

The Mumbai Roundtable Conference featured three panel discussions which brought together industry leaders and experts to address critical issues shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Panel One focused on the theme “The Power of Networking: How Industry Interactions Can Open Doors” where leading industry experts shared insights on how strategic networking and active engagement with professionals can create opportunities, foster collaborations, and expand career horizons. Panel Two centered on the theme “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: Industry Needs in Young Talent” where eminent industry leaders discussed the evolving expectations from young professionals and highlighted the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation in meeting industry demands. Panel Three, on the theme “Learning Beyond Books: Role of Industry in Making Education More Practical,” brought together distinguished industry leaders who emphasized the value of experiential learning, real-world exposure, and industry-academia partnerships in bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

The event culminated with the National Anthem. Present on the occasion were Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, Prof. Jabir Ali, Assistant Professor, IIM Jammu, Dr. Garima Saini, and Assistant Professor, IIM Jammu, Dr. Manu Bansal, along with industry experts and students from the Industry Interaction Cell and Placement Committee of IIM Jammu. The Mumbai Roundtable Conference further strengthened academia-industry collaboration, paving the way for actionable outcomes benefiting students and the corporate world. IIM Jammu remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and shape the future of education and professional development.