"Ethical Branding Guidelines" for academic institutions
In an era where digital footprints are permanent and "the crowd" acts as a global fact-checker, academic institutions face a new kind of reputational risk. The recent Galgotias University "Orion" scandal—where a commercially available Chinese robot was presented as an indigenous creation—serves as a stark reminder: In the Global Village, authenticity isn't just a virtue; it’s a survival strategy. To help universities navigate this high-stakes landscape, we’ve developed a comprehensive set of Ethical Branding Guidelines. This guide is designed to help institutions showcase innovation while maintaining the academic integrity that is the bedrock of their reputation. 1. Radical Transparency: The "Provenance" Rule In the past, institutions could get away with vague "black box" presentations. Today, transparency is the only shield against public humiliation. * Mandatory Attribution: If your project uses a third-party base (like a Unitree chassis,...