ONE of the most common concerns that entrepreneurs raise is that they have trouble contacting academics and researchers who may have the solutions they need. Bridging such gap is one of the key goals of the Innovate Iloilo Roadmap and the Iloilo Innovation Council.
However, according to Department of Science and Technology director Rowen Gelonga, Iloilo has been bridging the gap between research and industry for years now, and that the complaints from the private sector is a sign that the process is expanding and creating new demands for more integration.
Gelonga explained that Iloilo has already done a lot of work linking industry with researchers and academics, and that Innovate Iloilo itself is an output of much of the work already done. “In fact, Innovate Iloilo is one of the outputs of that linkage,” Gelonga said. “You can claim that Innovate Iloilo is a higher level idea. It’s a long process, but we’re getting there.”
Additionally, the director also pointed out new projects that city and provincial stakeholders are undertaking in order to address the gaps. One example is the creation of forums and events where industry leaders, government representatives and academics can meet to discuss integration. He also cited job fairs, which are used by government offices to collect information from companies and major industries. And he also noted technology forums for traffic, waste disposal and various local problems, as well as outreach program for critical industries.
“There was even a time nga ang Iloilo Business Club naga-meet sa Iloilo Science and Technology University, naga–hambal sila nga amo ni ila requirements kag gina-lantaw sang academe kung pwede nila ma-solve.”
Gelonga points to these successes to prove that the gaps between Iloilo’s academics and private sectors are already being addressed. But with the introduction of Innovate Iloilo, these programs which address that gaps will be expanded, he explained.
“So those are things that we are doing, na if you really look at it, tanan ni siya ga-contribute to bridging the gap sang industry kag academe,” Gelonga said./PN
