Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

`Innovation is the key word'

Innovation, especially in the industrial sector, is necessary to meet the environmental challenges the country is facing, says Vinay L. Deshpande, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Encore Software, Bangalore.

On his recent visit to Coimbatore, he spoke to Anasuya Menon on the importance of innovation in business and education.

"Why can't the Union Ministry invest in basic research to develop non-conventional sources of energy?"

Depletion

There is rapid depletion of resources and to meet the growing needs of the country, we need power. Already States such as Karnataka and Maharashtra are reeling under power shortage. Why can't our scientists think of utilising wave, wind and solar energy for electricity?" he asks.

India has become the greatest licensor of technology from abroad. Even though the country has the third largest pool of scientists and engineers, it continues to import technology. "How many Indian companies build their own technologies?" he asks. The Information Technology (IT) industry in the country has become satisfied by just getting contracts. It has the potential to do a lot more.

Software

The IT and IT-enabled services should develop software for our needs rather than for other developed nations. Instead of importing technology, Indian companies can put in their creative energies into research and development.

They have the human resources and funds. If they invest one per cent into developing products for their country, it can create a lot of difference in the country's economic progress, Mr.Deshpande says.

The education system should also undergo a lot of changes, he observes. "Teachers should encourage creativity in children and motivate them to innovate."

Interaction

Industry - institute interactions should be strengthened. Professionals from the industry should spend at least six months in the educational institution and vice versa. Only then will the interaction become fruitful, he adds.

Also the curriculum should be modified in accordance with industry standards every three months. If institutions can include people from the industry in their academic councils or executive committee boards, the syllabus can be made more relevant to the industry and the demands of industrial establishments.

Photo: K. Ananthan

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