State to promote industrial research

Tribune News service

Chandigarh, October 8

The Punjab Government, Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Ludhiana, and Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (GNDEC) have joined hands to strengthen research and innovation ecosystem in the state.

Disclosing this today, an official spokesperson said the Science, Technology & Environment Department had organised an interactive meeting with industrial association members of the CICU in Ludhiana. Principal Secretary Rakesh Verma apprised industrialists about the ‘Mission Innovate Punjab’ to promote research and innovation. 

The Principal Secretary said the mission would be promoted in the state in partnership with universities and research institutions, industry, government departments and funding agencies. The industrialists were sensitised about the impact of innovations on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

With Ludhiana being one of the major hubs of manufacturing activities in the state, the Principal Secretary appealed to CICU members to be the key driver for the industry-led innovation and adoption of  advanced manufacturing technology.

Discussions were held regarding the need to embrace ‘Industry 4.0’ to become globally competitive. The fourth industrial revolution will enhance productivity and efficiency, provide flexibility in manufacturing and enhanced customer experience for competing with other countries.

It was also highlighted that the present readiness of MSMEs for ‘Industry 4.0’ was a big challenge. The government and CICU also agreed to identify institutes with requisite capacity to provide handholding of industry.

Verma also visited the GNDEC which has expertise in the areas of environment, information technology, manufacturing and additive manufacturing and explored the possibility of upgrading their manufacturing lab as centre of excellence.