Kamal Nath

Davos: "Innovation and technology can destroy jobs. But they can also create jobs." This was the theme of the power breakfast hosted on Thursday by Wipro Technologies as part of the India events.

The breakfast session, "Innovation to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries" was moderated by Thomas Freidman, author of "The World is Flat."

Minister of Industry and Commerce Kamal Nath was the chief guest and Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Limited, Steve Roach, Chief Economist, Morgan Stanley and Ben Veramayen, CEO of British Telecom were the key speakers at the session.

``India inside''

Mr. Roach referred to the rise of protectionism in parts of the United States as a defence mechanism against the growing scale of Indian outsourcing.

Responding to this Mr. Veramayen said India had done what Intel did — it is "India inside" now, he said, adding that India had become an integral part of the global value chain.

Innovation creates unique synergies and unique opportunities for each individual to grow, said Mr. Kamal Nath, emphasising, however, that growth had to be inclusive. "People must feel the growth," he said. The Minister said technology had made geography, history.

"Today, people can participate in the development process and growth in a seamless connected way. But opportunities for such a participation is possible only if people are trained for gainful employment."

Complimenting Wipro on its exemplary work in education, he recommended that the initiative be replicated manifold.

Mr. Premji said Wipro has an ongoing primary education programme in 15 States, educating 3 million children. In addition, Wipro was working with 100 NGOs, he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail