Professor Dr. Waqas Ghalib Atshan, Director of the Science and Technology Parks Department at Al-Qadisiyah University, along with other university professors, participated in the conference, which was organized by the Entrepreneurial Projects Management Department/Research and Development Directorate in cooperation with the Office of the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Scientific Research Affairs and the Studies, Planning, and Follow-up Department at the University of Baghdad, Martyr Al-Hakim Hall, Al-Jadriya Complex. The conference aimed to:

1) Review mechanisms for bridging the gap between educational outcomes and the needs of national institutions.

2) Review the practical steps taken to activate the role of the Industrial Advisory Council and Science and Technology Parks in Iraqi universities.

3) Highlight prominent success stories and innovative initiatives resulting from university collaborations with various industrial sectors. The conference focused on providing essential information for developing students’ skills and transitioning them from traditional education to sustainable entrepreneurial learning, thus creating job opportunities beyond traditional employment. The second day of the conference included the following workshops:

– A workshop by the Studies, Planning, and Follow-up Department (Entrepreneurial study programs with learning outcomes that meet labor market demands).

– A workshop by the Research and Development Department (Entrepreneurship: Cultures and Terminology).

The conference was rich with important and useful information aimed at enhancing the role of industrial advisory boards in creating productive universities and the role of science and technology parks in fostering a sustainable entrepreneurial community that capitalizes on opportunities available to them during their studies.