By Karunakar Kotegar

Collaboration is emphasised as a crucial aspect for the success of higher education institutions in India under the National Education Policy 2020. By collaborating across various disciplines, institutions can increase creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities and better serve their students and communities. However, there are challenges to collaboration, such as differences in language, culture, and methodology, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. It is, therefore, essential to establish clear communication protocols, set shared goals, and foster a culture of respect and openness to overcome these challenges.

Best practices must be established to ensure effective multidisciplinary collaboration in higher education. These include creating a shared vision, setting clear roles and responsibilities, and using technology tools to facilitate collaboration. Online collaboration tools such as Google Docs and Zoom can be handy for individuals from different domains to work together effectively. It is also essential to foster a culture of collaboration where individuals are encouraged to share their ideas and expertise openly and respectfully. 

There are many opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration in higher education in India. For example, sustainable development, public health, and social justice are all areas where collaboration across different domains can lead to innovative solutions. Collaboration with industry, government, and non-profit organisations can help institutions address societal challenges and meet community needs. Encouraging faculty and students to work across different domains can also foster a culture of collaboration that can lead to better outcomes. 

Higher education institutions can take several steps to enhance the quality and relevance of their programmes through a multidisciplinary approach. Here are some ways to achieve this: 

  • Design a Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Colleges and universities can develop a curriculum that integrates knowledge from diverse fields. This approach can help students to develop a broader understanding of different subjects, foster critical thinking skills and equip them with skills relevant to their future careers. This can be achieved through core courses that cover a wide range of topics and elective courses that allow students to specialise in specific areas. The curriculum should be designed to ensure students comprehensively understand the subject matter and develop interdisciplinary skills. 
  • Foster Collaborations: Collaboration between different institutions can enhance interdisciplinary education. Arts, commerce, and science colleges can collaborate with other colleges to offer interdisciplinary courses and programmes. Such partnerships can be with other universities or vocational training institutions, where students can get exposure to various areas of study and industries. It can also help create a network of experts who can share knowledge and solve complex problems. 
  • Hire Multidisciplinary Faculty: Colleges can build a multidisciplinary team of faculty members from different academic disciplines. This can allow students to learn from experts in various fields, gain knowledge and insights, and develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. A diverse faculty with different backgrounds, expertise, and teaching styles can bring fresh ideas and perspectives, foster creative thinking and provide a broader learning experience. 
  • Promote Interdisciplinary Research: Colleges can encourage interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world problems. Students and faculty can develop innovative solutions to complex issues by working collaboratively across different fields. This can also allow students to apply their knowledge in practical settings and enhance their research skills. 
  • Offer Professional Development Opportunities: Colleges can provide professional development opportunities to faculty and staff to help them acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to implement multidisciplinary education effectively. This can include workshops, seminars, and training programs. These opportunities can give faculty members the tools and expertise to develop and implement interdisciplinary courses and programmes. 
  • Collaborate with Industry Partners: Higher education institutions can collaborate with industry partners to develop programs and initiatives that meet the job market’s needs. Such partnerships can help students to develop practical skills and experience in specific industries. By collaborating with industry partners, higher education institutions can identify emerging trends and requirements, which can be incorporated into the curriculum to better equip students for the workforce. 
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In addition to the benefits highlighted in the article, effective multidisciplinary collaborations in higher education institutions can also promote diversity and inclusion. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and academic disciplines, collaborations can lead to a more inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into the curriculum. This can help promote empathy, tolerance, and understanding among students, preparing them to be global citizens. Furthermore, multidisciplinary collaborations can also foster interdisciplinary research, leading to breakthrough discoveries and innovations that can positively impact society. Therefore, it is imperative that higher education institutions in India prioritise collaboration as a core value to meet the diverse needs of their students, communities, and the world.

The author is professor, Department of Data Science and Computer Applications, MIT, Manipal.