CII and Technology Management Programme of Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Govt of India in association with Tanaka Business School, Imperial College, London have launched an executive programme in India.  The programme, aimed at Indian executives, technologists and scientists is being held in Mumbai from 5-7 May 2008.  The course on Innovation & Technology Management is designed to help managers develop an innovative culture in their companies using Technology as the key resource.

Professor Gerry George, who is co-teaching along with Prof. Nelson Philips (both from Imperial College , London), explains the course:

Indian companies are increasingly aware that they need to move away from competing solely as the low cost supplier in the global market. Managers need to be able to create value through commercialising innovative ideas and being entrepreneurial and thats what these short courses will explore.

The programme has been developed in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry specifically for the needs of Indian executives and with technical support from DSIR.  The main objective of the Technology Management Programme of the DSIR is to build technology transfer & management capabilities in the country. Towards this end, multi pronged measures covering a range of activities & programmes to foster innovation capabilities have been taken up. These include analytical reports, decision support systems, training, development of cases, pedagogic tools and curriculum development, apart from Chairs for nurturing research on these aspects. Centres for Technology & Innovation management are being established in different locations in the country to cater to regional needs. Beneficiaries include Industry, Entrepreneurs, Research & Academic Organizations & Govt. Agencies. Training on these aspects taking advantage of global perspectives being important, the Department has partnered this initiative.

Professor George said: Working with the latest research findings, case studies on businesses that are innovating today and using guest speakers who have successfully managed innovation in their own organisations, were delivering a great programme with the Confederation of Indian Industry & DSIR.

Im confident that every delegate at the event will leave with a clear view on how to best understand innovation strategy but also how to devise a strategic innovation plan for their own company, added Professor George.

The lecture series is the first open education programme of the newly formed Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship within Tanaka Business School. The programme has received very good response from Indian corporate and R & D Labs. More than 50 participants are attending the 3-day focussed course. More such programmes in this series would be soon announced.

The Centre has been set up with significant backing from the School and attracted several high profile corporate supporters, demonstrating the great importance of India in the world economy.  The Centre has already formed partnerships with the Confederation of Indian Industry.