Can India Shift From ASSEMBLY LINES TO OWNERSHIP OF The Designs And Products?

Make-in-India is NOT assembled in India. Can the country shift from assembly lines to ownership of designs and products? Despite strong talent and policy support, India’s electronics sector is booming in scale but lacking in innovation. As the world realigns its supply chains, can we finally emerge as the global nerve centre of complex modern multinational supply chains, along with developing its edge in design and IP?

- 

Crisis often begets opportunities.

From the US-China trade war to the pandemic, supply chain shocks and geopolitical tensions, the world’s overdependence on China has been exposed. The world is in pursuit of new business models. Global business dynamics are already undergoing a significant shift, as nations are now devising exit strategies from China and aiming to become more self-reliant.

India, a young nation renowned for its innovative spirit, can take the lead in shaping a new work culture. India, with the right blend of physical and virtual infrastructure and conducive government policies, can emerge as the global nerve centre of complex modern multinational supply chains. The recent Covid-19 crisis and changing geopolitical scenarios have presented India, and especially the ESDM (electronics system design and manufacturing) ecosystem, with an unexpected, longer-horizon opportunity to expand its manufacturing and R&D base and play a larger role in revamped global supply chains, spawned by the sudden but inevitable global rush to reduce economic dependence on China.

However, despite its global dominance in smartphone usage and 5G adoption, India still imports much of what it consumes. The real question is: can India move from being a consumer to a creator of intellectual property (IP), products, and global brands? The clock is ticking, say experts. Is India prepared to compete and fill the vacuum created by the world's technological overdependence on our neighbour?

We have barely scratched the surface

Though relatively young, India's ESDM industry has a long history. Initially dominated by public sector undertakings. The sector opened up post-liberalisation, with private Indian firms and global players entering the market. The first significant investments occurred between 2005 and 2007, when companies such as Nokia and Jabil Circuits established operations.