The meeting of the Rector and Businessperson Joint Platform (RIOP), which aims to increase the interaction between universities and the business world, was held hosted by Istanbul Atlas University.
At the breakfast meeting held at the Atlas Vadi Campus Creative Lab; rectors, academics, and representatives of the business world discussed solution proposals for the integration of theoretical knowledge and field experience.
"Interaction is Not a Choice, but a Strategic Necessity"
Istanbul Atlas University Rector Prof. Dr. Ersoy Kocabıçak, in his opening speech, stated that the translation of academic knowledge into the field depends on sustainable collaborations. Kocabıçak emphasized the current importance of university-business world interaction with the following words:
“The translation of academic knowledge into the field is possible through strong and sustainable collaborations established with the business world. For this reason, university–business world interaction is not a choice today, but a strategic necessity. At this very point, the Rector–Businessperson Joint Platform undertakes a very valuable mission. By establishing permanent and qualified collaborations between universities and the industry and business world, it aims to contribute to our country’s innovation, technology, and knowledge-based development goals. This approach represents a holistic vision that centers not only on economic growth but also on qualified human resources and social transformation.”
Common Wisdom and Problem Analysis
Topkapı University Rector Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin pointed out RIOP’s task of identifying the points of friction between academia and the business world. Alkin made the following evaluations regarding the platform's mission to create a "common wisdom":
“Thanks to RIOP, both academia and the business world will come together to share their knowledge and experience. Identifying and bringing to light whatever is malfunctioning between the business world and academia is one of RIOP's duties. Furthermore, it is important for experienced and knowledgeable people to come together, present the problems, and create a common wisdom on a platform by saying, 'Actually, we can solve it like this.' Common wisdom does not mean everyone agrees on the same thing. Common wisdom is the coming together of different ideas to reach a solution proposal that the majority will accept.”
Young Population and Industry Integration in the Curriculum
RIOP Vice President Dr. Hakan Çınar stated that Turkey's young population potential must be evaluated correctly and noted that they are focusing on the process of preparing students for the business world. Çınar detailed the platform's goals as follows:
“Under the umbrella of RIOP, we strive to ensure that universities raise students who are better prepared for the business world, who have gained internship opportunities, or who know the field a bit more closely. We are holding this meeting specifically to listen to concrete proposals. Compared to Europe, Turkey has a young population. The outputs from these platforms will provide significant contributions to ensuring that this young population enters the business world in the future in more accurate roles and professions, being better prepared for their jobs.”
Istanbul Atlas University Rector’s Chief Advisor Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın addressed the curriculum differentiation practice announced by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and drew attention to the weight of education and industry cooperation in the new era.
The meeting, attended by RIOP Founding Chairman Hakan Çelik and the board of directors, concluded with participants exchanging mutual ideas and a commitment to laying the groundwork for joint projects.
FUAR HABER ONLINE