Explore opportunities in digital economy, students told

Dignitaries inaugurating an expert session on career and innovation opportunities in Karnataka’s emerging digital economy and data centre ecosystem organised by the Central University of Karnataka in collaboration with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission in Kalaburagi.

Students should develop innovative ideas, acquire industry-relevant skills and explore emerging opportunities in the digital economy to succeed in the changing employment landscape, Central University of Karnataka Registrar R.R. Biradar has said.

He was speaking at an expert session on “Building Careers and Innovation Opportunities in Karnataka’s Emerging Digital Economy and Data Centre Ecosystem” organised recently by the university in collaboration with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and the university’s Incubation and Skill Development Centre in association with the School of Computer Science at the university auditorium.

Prof. Biradar said that young people have a crucial role to play in driving innovation, promoting sustainable development and strengthening the national economy.

He urged students to use their knowledge, skills and institutional resources to develop solutions to real-world problems and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Emphasising the need to adapt to changing employment requirements, he said that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to succeed in a competitive job market.

Students should complement their education with 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, communication and innovative thinking to become industry-ready professionals.

Highlighting the potential of the digital economy, Prof. Biradar said that it contributed approximately ₹31.64 lakh crore or 11.7% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) with its share projected to reach 20% by 2030.

The expansion of digital infrastructure, internet connectivity and technology-driven services is creating significant employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people, he said.

He also pointed to the growth of India’s start-up ecosystem which has expanded from around 500 in 2016 to more than 2.23 lakh recognised start-ups.

With over 110 unicorns and more than 23 lakh people employed in the start-up sector, entrepreneurship is increasingly contributing to economic development and job creation, he said.

Noting that nearly 65% of India’s population is below the age of 35, he said that the country’s young population can become a major force in technological advancement, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth if equipped with relevant skills and innovative capabilities.

Cluster Head of KDEM Venkatesh Deshpande delivered a special lecture on career and innovation opportunities in Karnataka’s emerging digital economy and data centre ecosystem.

KDEM Cluster Head for Kalaburagi Sujay Mudgal spoke about Karnataka’s start-up and innovation ecosystem, outlining opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and young innovators.

In his opening remarks, Dean of the School of Computer Science R.S. Hegadi highlighted the importance of the programme in preparing students for emerging opportunities in the technology sector.

Director of the Incubation and Skill Development Centre and Dean of the School of Physical Sciences Rajeev Shesha Joshi said that innovation should draw inspiration from nature, address societal needs and contribute to national economic development.

He encouraged students to actively pursue innovation and entrepreneurship.