Industry-Academia-Govt framework proposed

Kathmandu, Feb. 8

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and the University of Nepal (UNepal) proposed the government to form Industry-Academia-Government (IAG) Framework, a permanent structure to create a conducive business environment.

At a high-level strategic consultative meeting today at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), Singha Durbar, NICCI and UNepal proposed Industry-Academia-Government (IAG) Framework, a national initiative aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking, industry competitiveness, and academic engagement in Nepal’s development agenda.

NICCI informed in a statement on Sunday that the meeting brought together senior government officials led by Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, along with secretaries from key ministries, representatives from NICCI and the leadership of the UNepal.

Chair of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees Lal Krishna KC presented the draft IAG Framework, on the occasion. The concept proposes a structured national platform to bridge long-standing gaps between policy priorities, industry needs, and academic research.

"UNepal and NICCI are the initiators of the IAG framework and have asked the government to join hands, but it will have a larger platform of all the private sector organizations and universities and think tanks soon," read the statement.  

The proposed framework positions government as a strategic facilitator, industry as a driver of market relevance, and academia as an integrative, evidence-generating partner. The IAG model emphasizes execution-oriented collaboration, data-driven design, and long-term institutionalization rather than one-off events or short-term projects.

NICCI also informed that the meeting concluded with a shared commitment to building a sustained, institutional collaboration platform that aligns policy, industry, and knowledge systems in service of Nepal’s long-term economic transformation. 

Likewise, discussions further stressed inclusivity, alignment with national interest, and improved data integration across government, academia, and the private sector. Opportunities in energy efficiency, power trade, and emerging areas such as green hydrogen were noted as potential areas of collaboration.

 Vice chancellor Dr. Arjun Karki, Registrar Dr. Surya Raj Acharya, and representatives of University of Nepal highlighted their commitment to introducing industry-relevant academic programmes, including micro-credential initiatives, and strengthening the role of academia as an independent knowledge partner serving national priorities.

Chief Secretary Aryal linked the initiative to the government’s broader reform and re-governance efforts, encouraging stakeholders to expand the framework’s reach and impact.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 February 2026.