Professor Digvir S. Jayas is the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. He is also the Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Vice-President (Research and International) Emeritus of the University of Manitoba. Jayas held a Tier 1 (Senior) Canada Research Chair in Stored-Grain Ecosystems. He conducts research related to digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the agri-food industry and drying, handling and storing of grains, oilseeds and pulses. He has collaborated with researchers from several countries and has made significant contributions to the development of efficient grain storage, handling and drying systems in Canada, China, India, Ukraine and the USA. He has authored or co-authored over 1000 technical articles in scientific journals and conferences.

On November 29, 2023, Professor Digvir S. Jayas gave a lecture on the topic of research commercialization and partnerships at the ANSO BIDI School 2023 Session 9, which is part of the Belt and Road International Innovation and Development Think Tank Network Program.

In his lecture, Dr. Jayas introduced the concept, significance, benefits, challenges, methods and experiences of research commercialization and partnerships from three aspects. He emphasized the important role of research commercialization and partnerships for scientific innovation and socio-economic development, highlighted the importance of research for cultivating the talents needed for the development of regional economies, and shared his practical experience and skills in this area. He advised researchers to have an entrepreneurial spirit and an open and inclusive attitude, as well as a good business plan and strategy, and effective communication and collaboration skills.