Nurturing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Educational Institutions: The IGNOU Experience

Abstract

Innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) have taken the centrestage in the present scenario of higher education. Policies, such as the National Education Policy-2020 and the National Innovation and Startup Policy put emphasis on nurturing an I&E ecosystem in higher education institutes. Furthermore, the clarion calls of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat@2047 and Swadeshi expect the youth to become entrepreneurs and job providers, instead of job seekers. In this scenario, IGNOU has risen to the occasion and has established a robust I&E ecosystem for its students and faculty. This paper provides a descriptive overview of the gamut of initiatives carried out at IGNOU to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship with the aim to provide insights into the different dimensions of the existing I&E ecosystem in the university, and to propose new approaches to further reinforce the ecosystem for the future. The recommendations of this study are expected to provide key guidance for the policymakers and other stakeholders to design effective strategies for strengthening the I&E ecosystem in the higher education institutions.