Given the significance of diversity for the innovation hub concept, it may be possible to achieve both educational and innovative objectives by integrating students from various cultural backgrounds into a single hub.
Additionally, there are emerging new trends in cross-border education, such as the creation of education hubs. Companies increasingly demand more from prospective employees in terms of their skills and abilities; the competition between economies is intensifying inside the education sector as well; and an increasing number of areas are working to develop a knowledge-based profile.
In pursuit of a shared goal of establishing a venue for fruitful discussion and instruction in entrepreneurial information technology endeavors, as well as supporting the professional and academic growth of staff and students, the Accelerate Innovation Hub of Advancement and Linkages Centre, Rivers State University has undertaken the task of upskilling individuals across Rivers State.
Launched by Godwin Jimmy with a core focus on student development, Accelerate Innovation Hub is a tech community that facilitates development in technology and entrepreneurship through mentorship, training, collaboration, events, etc. The hub aims to build a digital ecosystem for young people while solving problems in the community using technology, especially United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Changing the Tertiary Institution Landscape
One commonly noted phenomenon that causes problems in many universities and colleges is resistance to change. The inability to create new objectives, values, and metrics, as well as the fear of relinquishing authority, control, or influence, could be contributing factors.
Since most colleges do not consider innovation or Industry 4.0 education to be among their aims, creating a cooperative education innovation hub would necessitate major changes.
The aforementioned alignment implies that the incorporation of innovation hubs into international education initiatives could potentially result in positive outcomes for students, teachers, staff, and organizations in terms of intellectual property, reputation, and other related aspects. The goal is to achieve mutual benefits by generating knowledge collectively and putting new ideas into practice.
The Accelerate Innovation Hub primarily pertains to the goal of knowledge creation and the generation of innovative concepts and methods. This kind of innovation hub would also create a center for collaboration between local and foreign universities, as well as between universities and the commercial sector. An important factor is increased global mobility, which should make cross-border cooperation easier.