Dow banks on innovation to propel growth in India

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Dow banks on innovation to propel growth in India

Dow banks on innovation to propel growth in India

Technical Articles
Nov 01,17

The company, which works closely with over 300 customers to outline next generation priorities, emphasises on local R&D and collaboration across government, industry and academia

Dow banks on innovation to propel growth in India

The company, which works closely with over 300 customers to outline next generation priorities, emphasises on local R&D and collaboration across government, industry and academia

Dow India recently organised ‘India Innovation Day 2017’ in Mumbai, which witnessed global and local leaders of the organisation coming together with over 300 key customers and stakeholders in India. With a focus on ‘Creating the Future Together’, the event aimed to discuss innovation, sustainability and material science solutions that can contribute to the changing manufacturing and industry landscape of India’s growing economy.

Over the last 60 years of its business in the country, Dow India has been driving innovations at the intersection of material sciences to address challenges such as need for sustainable infrastructure, recyclable packaging, need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. The event was a step forward in this collaborative growth journey, with its customers in the country. The event saw leaders from industries like infrastructure, agriculture, consumer goods, personal care, pharmaceuticals ideate and brainstorm on the ways of making India the innovation hub of the world.

Highlighting the importance of innovation in an era of disruptions, Rajeev Kapoor, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, said, “The Indian chemical industry needs to create an ecosystem that promotes Research and Development (R&D). We as a country have unique challenges - and addressing these will require local effort, resources and investments. One of the most important areas of focus should be reducing import dependence for feedstock.”

Over 300 eminent CXO-level leaders from top manufacturing companies in the country, were joined by the top brass of leadership of the company. The event included three panel discussions on themes of ‘Circular economy’, ‘Breakthrough innovations: Fortune at the bottom of the pyramid’, and ‘Innovation ecosystem of India’.

Asserting his optimism for the country, Heinz Haller, Executive Vice President and President, Dow Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI), said “From clean water to safe food-packaging, renewable sources of energy, digital communication, efficient transport, energy saving insulation and agriculture – chemistry is one of the centrepieces of any economic activity. India being the bright-spot of global economy will need continued inflow of feedstock.

Dr A N Sreeram, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, outlined the key areas of focus for innovation and showcased how the company keeps pace with evolving formulation needs across various businesses. He shared examples from various sectors that showcased how circular economy will be the underlying trend in creating a sustainable future.

Speaking on how the company is meeting the development demands of the country, Sudhir Shenoy, Country President and CEO, Dow India said, “Innovation cuts across the realms of processes, products, business models and solutions for us at Dow India. In India, we are witnessing a convergence of local demands with renewed focus on manufacturing. I believe this trend will benefit the chemical industry significantly and we see merit in coming together to co-create sustainable solutions for India and the subcontinent.”