1.   Purpose of the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC)

The Industry Advisory Committees (IACs) play a crucial role in providing valuable insights and recommendations to the University across various domains, including curriculum review/development, applied research and innovation, staff and student attachment, and graduates' internships. Comprising representatives from the private sector, government institutions, and industry, IACs serve as the primary voice for a specific industry or industry cluster.

This committees significantly influence the university's core activities of teaching, research, and knowledge transfer, aligning them with the expectations of the labor market. At the School/College level, the IACs aim to contribute advice that fosters the University's growth and achievement of its goals. Through the sharing of expertise and strategic thinking, the committees ensure active engagement of industry professionals in designing and delivering priority degree programs, aligning them with market needs.

The IACs take on the responsibility of advising on the development or review of academic programs, identifying best-practice standards to meet labor market demands. Additionally, they facilitate collaboration between the University and the industry, enabling students and staff to receive training from industry practitioners and work alongside them in their respective fields of expertise. In essence, the Industry Advisory Committees serve as a bridge, enhancing the synergy between the University and the industry for the benefit of students, staff, and the broader academic community.

2.   Objectives of Industry Advisory Committees (IACs)

1: Establishing a Formal Mechanism for Industry-University Coordination

One primary objective of IACs is to create a structured mechanism for fostering coordination between the university and the industry. The establishment of an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) serves as a strategic initiative to bridge the gap between academia and the workforce demands. This formal mechanism aims to address the existing weakness in the University-Industry linkage at UDSM. By implementing this objective, the aim is to enhance the university's responsiveness to industry needs, ensuring that programs align with market requirements, and graduates possess skills that are relevant and sought after by employers.

2: Promoting Human Capital Development and Social Inclusion

Another key objective of AICs revolves around creating an environment conducive to human capital development and social inclusion among university students. This objective aligns with UDSM's broader goal of promoting quality higher education. Through the IACs, the aim is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between the university and the industry in a practical manner. This exchange not only enriches the learning experience for students but also contributes to addressing critical skill gaps in graduates. By emphasizing human capital development and social inclusion, this objective seeks to elevate the overall quality of higher education at UDSM, benefiting both students and the economy at large.

3: Enhancing Employability and Closing Skill Gaps

The third objective of IACs is centered on improving the employability of graduates by closing critical skill gaps. The IACs will play a pivotal role in providing valuable insights and feedback from the industry, guiding the university in developing programs that meet current market demands. By actively involving industry representatives in the curriculum review and development processes, this objective aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for success in their professional endeavours. Closing the loop between academia and industry ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce, contributing to the university's Vision 2061 and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in response to evolving industry needs.