In celebration of the global spirit of innovation recognized during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences) Peshawar organized the KP Innovation Trialogue, a collaborative forum aimed at understanding and addressing the growing disconnect between academic preparation and industry expectations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Bringing together voices from the industry, academia, and the National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar, the session encouraged honest dialogue, practical thinking, and joint commitment to strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The motivation behind the event was clear: many graduates find it challenging to transition smoothly into the workforce, often because of gaps between what is taught in classrooms and what employers look for in the real world. This concern is not unique to KP—it is echoed globally during GEW, where the focus remains on empowering young people with the entrepreneurial mindset, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive. With this broader mission in mind, the KP Innovation Trialogue sought to explore the root causes of the academic–industry divide and determine how institutions and companies can work together more effectively.
The industry representatives—Mr. Ayub Zakori (Zakori Industries Ltd.), Mr. Sanan Sethi (Peshawar Model School), Mr. Salman Altaf (Fedro Pharma), Mr. Sajjad Zaheer (Supreme Art), and Mr. Haris Mufti (Wasay Laboratories)—shared valuable insights on the competencies they find lacking in fresh graduates. They emphasized that while students acquire theoretical knowledge, they often struggle with practical tasks such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, workplace discipline, and translating ideas into real-life applications. These insights highlighted the need for continuous, structured interaction between students and employers throughout a student’s academic journey.
Representing academia, Prof. Dr. Owais Mufti, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nouman, and Dr. Gohar Saleem acknowledged this gap and discussed how universities can evolve to meet modern demands. They spoke about the importance of experiential learning, industry-driven curricula, and creating more opportunities for students to engage with professionals through internships, joint projects, and mentorship programs. They reiterated that universities must become more agile in adapting teaching practices and course structures to reflect the changing needs of the market.
On behalf of the National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar, Director Asim Ishaq highlighted his organization’s role as the connector between universities, startups, and established companies. He emphasized that innovation ecosystems thrive when stakeholders collaborate openly, share insights, and work together on product development, research, and skill-building initiatives. NIC Peshawar expressed its commitment to creating structured mechanisms for skill mapping, joint programs, and regular industry–academia engagements, aligning strongly with GEW’s international mission to boost entrepreneurship and opportunity creation.
The KP Innovation Trialogue concluded with a united message: closing the academic–industry gap requires joint responsibility and sustained coordination. Universities must accelerate efforts to make education more applied and industry-relevant; companies must invest time in guiding, mentoring, and training students; and connectors like NIC must ensure that communication between both sides is continuous and effective.
As Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates individuals and institutions working to spark creativity, innovation, and opportunity, the KP Innovation Trialogue stands as a meaningful example of how local collaboration can contribute to global progress. By bringing together key players who shape the future of work and entrepreneurship, the event laid important groundwork for stronger partnerships, improved employability, and a more vibrant innovation landscape in KP.