Goa: Indian universities must transition from traditional centres of learning into engines of research, innovation and entrepreneurship to remain globally competitive, said Dr H Purushotham, Secretary, Department of Science, Technology & Innovation, Government of Andhra Pradesh, during his keynote address at the ETEducation Chancellors’ Conclave 2026.
Highlighting the changing expectations from higher education, Purushotham argued that institutional success can no longer be measured solely by student enrolments or degrees awarded. Instead, universities must demonstrate their contribution through research breakthroughs, technological advancements and solutions to real-world challenges.
He emphasised that government policy must bridge the gap between academic research, industrial applications and societal needs by encouraging collaborative research funding, strengthening innovation infrastructure and protecting intellectual property.
Five pillars for transforming higher education
Outlining a roadmap for institutional transformation, Purushotham identified five priorities that universities must adopt to build long-term relevance.
The first is strengthening foundational and deep-tech research, with institutions moving beyond conventional academic projects towards research addressing significant scientific and socioeconomic challenges.
Second, universities must establish stronger industry partnerships, ensuring that industrial challenges inform academic research while university innovations contribute to business growth and technological progress.
Third, he called for a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem supported by well-funded incubation centres and experienced industry mentors, enabling students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Fourth, universities must integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology into their curricula and research infrastructure to prepare students for future industries.
Finally, he stressed the importance of value-based, skill-oriented and experiential learning, supported by teaching methodologies that incorporate AI and other emerging technologies.
Research investment must define institutional legacy
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s ambitions, Purushotham said the state is working to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem, with Amaravati emerging as an educational hub attracting higher education institutions.
He encouraged university founders and chancellors to explore opportunities in the state, while underscoring the importance of policy support in fostering research-driven institutions.
Purushotham also warned that AI could fundamentally transform education over the next decade, making it essential for universities to rethink their academic offerings and institutional sustainability.
He urged institutional leaders to evaluate their budgets not merely through infrastructure development and student enrolments, but through research and development investment, patent creation and industry collaborations.
The long-term legacy of universities, he concluded, will depend on their ability to translate knowledge into innovation, strengthen entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to India’s technological and economic advancement.
