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Building a globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem: Varun Poddar
Articles- Feb 21,25
Strong partnerships between manufacturers and educational institutions are fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring the next generation of professionals is equipped with industry-relevant expertise, remarks, Varun Poddar, Founder, VOX India.
The ‘Make in India’ initiative is reshaping India's manufacturing landscape by fostering innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies while prioritising workforce development. As the country positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, the focus must be on strategic foresight, green manufacturing, technological advancements, and talent management to ensure long-term success.
1. Right company strategies & government policies
Amid the complexities of a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) world and the opportunities presented by the China Plus One strategy, it is crucial for companies to adopt well-structured strategies to balance innovation, quality, and compliance. Several key aspects are shaping the industry:
- R&D and innovation:
To remain competitive on a global scale, manufacturers in India are increasingly investing in research and development to enhance product quality, durability, and performance. Companies that prioritise innovation are not only introducing advanced solutions but also ensuring alignment with evolving global standards. Industry-wide efforts to enhance product longevity and safety through rigorous testing and eco-conscious material choices are setting new benchmarks for quality.
- Exports and localisation:
With the push towards self-reliance, India is rapidly expanding its manufacturing capabilities, supplying both domestic and international markets. Key exports to the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia highlight India's growing role in global supply chains. This shift is further supported by localisation strategies that drive efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customisation for regional markets.
- Government incentives:
The government’s focus on providing tax incentives, production-linked incentives (PLI), and ease of doing business has played a pivotal role in encouraging domestic manufacturing. These incentives are facilitating capital investment, promoting the adoption of high-tech manufacturing, and reducing dependency on imports.
- Safety and compliance:
Adherence to global safety standards is non-negotiable. Industry players are implementing stringent quality controls and ensuring compliance with international certifications, which not only enhance consumer trust but also make Indian-manufactured products more viable for global exports.
2. Green manufacturing
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. Companies across industries are making concerted efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt circular economy principles, and integrate eco-friendly production practices.
- Reducing carbon footprint:
Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging energy-efficient processes and renewable energy sources to minimise emissions and optimise resource consumption.
- Circular economy:
Material recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing are becoming standard practices, aligning with global sustainability goals and green building certifications.
- Eco-friendly products:
The shift towards sustainable product design, including the use of recyclable materials and non-toxic finishes, is accelerating, further reinforcing India's commitment to green manufacturing.
3. Advanced manufacturing technologies
Technological advancements such as automation, robotics, and digitalisation are transforming India’s manufacturing landscape. The adoption of Industry 4.0, AI-driven quality control, and 3D printing is enhancing precision, efficiency, and scalability in production processes.
- Smart manufacturing & digitalisation:
Industry 4.0 integration is driving operational excellence by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making.
- AI & machine learning:
Advanced AI models are helping manufacturers optimise inventory, predict demand, and enhance supply chain resilience.
- Innovative printing technologies:
New-age printing techniques, including thermal printing for durable textures and finishes, are ensuring high-quality aesthetics with long-lasting performance across various applications.
4. People management
A robust manufacturing sector is driven by a skilled workforce. As automation and smart technologies become more prevalent, companies must prioritise continuous learning, industry-academia collaboration, and inclusivity in manufacturing.
- Skill development & upskilling:
With emerging technologies reshaping job roles, there is a growing emphasis on technical training, digital literacy, and reskilling initiatives to keep India’s workforce future-ready.
- Industry-academia collaboration:
Strong partnerships between manufacturers and educational institutions are fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring the next generation of professionals is equipped with industry-relevant expertise.
- Diversity & inclusion:
The push for gender diversity, particularly in manufacturing roles, is gaining traction, leading to more inclusive work environments and improved productivity.
Conclusion
India's manufacturing sector is at a turning point, poised to emerge as a global leader through strategic policies, sustainable practices, technological evolution, and a highly skilled workforce. The success of ‘Make in India’ hinges on the collective efforts of industry stakeholders, government support, and an ecosystem of collaboration that ensures Indian manufacturing remains competitive, resilient, and future-ready for global markets.
About the author:
Varun Poddar is the founder of VOX India, a leading innovative brand involved in designing, manufacturing and distributing furniture, home furnishings and building materials in Europe. Having a legacy of over 30 years, VOX has now established a presence in India through its association with the former promoters of Ashirvad pipes.
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