Jammu, Sep 1 (IANS): Universities need to become drivers of innovation, President Pranab Mukherjee said Monday.

Addressing the 14th convocation of the University of Jammu, Mukherjee said: "Universities today need to become drivers of innovation. Their focus should be on collaborative relationships with industry and government."

He added that entrepreneurial activities in the universities could take various forms such as contract research, consultancy, patenting, licensing, spin outs, start-ups, incubating companies.

"It is essential that universities create the right environment for promoting entrepreneurship amongst students as well as academicians," he said.

Mukherjee said that Jammu and Kashmir was emerging as a "knowledge hub" in the country with nine universities and more than 300 affiliated colleges.

"All these institutions would benefit by collaborating in teaching and research and establishing common research facilities," Mukherjee said.