Synergy 2026: Bridging the Value Gap through Industry - Academia Partnership

4th April 2026

Dr. Sahab Singh(Professor, MBA)of Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida, was invited as a keynote speaker and delivered an insightful address on “Sustainable & Ethical Marketing through Partnership”atMarketing Conclave titled“Synergy 2026: Bridging the Value Gap through Industry - Academia Partnership” on 4^thApril 2026at Maharishi University of Information Technology, Noida.The event brought together distinguished academicians and industry professionals to deliberate on strengthening collaboration between industry and academia for developing future-ready professionals.

The session commenced with a formal inauguration led by Dr. Jiya Wadhwa, Professor, School of Business Management (SOBM), who invited Dr. Azad Singh, Dean SOBM, keynote speakers, and other dignitaries for the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the enlightenment of knowledge. The distinguished speakers were warmly welcomed and felicitated by university officials with bouquets and mementoes in recognition of their valuable contributions and professional excellence.

ProfessorLalit  Sharma, highlighted the transformation of traditional marketing models in the digital era. He emphasized the importance of adapting pricing and promotional strategies throughout the product life cycle to effectively target evolving market segments.

Mr. Avinash Srivastava, Directorof  GreenEdge Ventures, Noida, and an AI expert, spoke about the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in marketing. He stressed the need for continuous audit systems, transparency in AI-generated content, and strict compliance when handling sensitive customer data. He further emphasized viewing AI as a “growth partner” while maintaining a “human-in-the-loop” approach to ensure brand safety and prevent over-automation.

In his keynote address, Dr. Sahab Singh emphasized that sustainability and ethics have become fundamental drivers of brand trust, consumer loyalty, and long-term business success. He advocated shifting from a profit-centric approach to a purpose-driven model aligned with environmental responsibility and fair labour practices. He also highlighted that AI must be governed by ethical principles to prevent practices such as greenwashing.

Additionally, Dr. Singh underscored the importance of mandatory internships and real-time industry exposure for students. He suggested that faculty members should spend at least one month annually in industry roles to stay updated with current market challenges and ensure relevant teaching practices.

Mr. Rohit Sharma, Entrepreneur and Assistant Commercial Marketing Manager at Suntory Global Spirits, delivered a session on “Industry-Academia Collaboration for Future-Ready Marketers.”He emphasized bridging the gap between theoretical learning and rapid digital transformation through hands-on practical exposure. He also highlighted the importance of equipping students with technological proficiency and communication skills before graduation. He further recommended that academic institutions collaborate closely with industry leaders to continuously update curricula, incorporating emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. He suggested involving industry professionals in curriculum design and as advisory board members to ensure course relevance.

The conclave concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants actively engaged with the speakers, reflecting their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. The session significantly contributed to the overall success of the event.