Introduction
On May 23rd, 2023, the Regional College of Management (RCM) in Bhubaneswar organized a one-day workshop titled “Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation, and 21st Century Skills.”
The event, supported by the World Trade Center (WTC), Bhubaneswar, and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), aimed to create awareness among students about the skills required in the 21st century and the significance of upgrading their knowledge in emerging technologies.
The workshop focused on equipping the students with the necessary skills to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Need for Future-Ready Skills
Dr. Subrat Biswal, Regional-in-Charge & Faculty at EDII Bhubaneswar, emphasized the importance of addressing the changing nature of jobs and skill requirements due to technology-induced changes. With millions of young Indians entering the workforce annually, it becomes crucial to ensure their employability by providing them with the right skills.
RCM’s Commitment to Innovation
Dr. Prabir Pal, Chairman of RCM, expressed the institution’s commitment to embracing new ideas and introducing innovative courses that enhance student competence and readiness for the future. The workshop served as a testament to RCM’s proactive approach to preparing students for the evolving job market.
Workshop Highlights
The workshop was organized and coordinated by Prof. Dwaraka Nath Mohapatra, with assistance from Prof. Sanhita Sarkar, both from RCM. The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Itishree Devi of RCM. The workshop featured brainstorming sessions involving industry experts, educators, and administrative heads.
The distinguished speakers included
- Dr. Subrat Biswal (EDII Bhubaneswar)
- Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan (Asst Director, World Trade Center, Bhubaneswar)
- Mr. Rajen Padhi (Commercial Director, B-One Business House Pvt Ltd.)
- Mr. Chandrashekhar Mishra (MD, Crux Power)
- Mr. Saswat Panda (CEO, Quocent)
- Mr. Ajit K Pallai (Founder & CEO, Eco Sathi)
The workshop encouraged active participation from students, who engaged in team activities to brainstorm problem areas related to innovation, technology enhancement, and future-relevant skill development. The experts provided insightful answers to students’ questions, fostering an engaging and enlightening learning environment.
Conclusion
The “Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation, and 21st Century Skills” workshop organized by RCM proved to be a valuable opportunity for students to gain awareness about the skills required to thrive in the modern job market.
With the support of esteemed industry experts and educators, the workshop successfully emphasized the importance of anticipating future industry needs and acquiring technological skills.
RCM’s commitment to innovation and its proactive approach to introducing new courses further solidify its position as a leading educational institution. By empowering students with the right knowledge and skills, RCM is preparing them to become valuable contributors to the future workforce.