Event Scan

Techno Economic summit and Expo 2001 : Towards Global Competitiveness

3 -day International Techno-economic Summit and 4-day exposition on Fluid Power and Instrumentation & Control was held in Mumbai between 17 th -20 th May this year. This exposition was jointly organized by India-Tech Foundation and the Times of India group publication’s “Fluid Power Journal” and “Instrumentation & Control Journal”.

The aim was to provide the cutting edge for global competitiveness which is the need today for the Indian Industry for facing the challenges of globalization and to convert them into opportunities.

According to Dr.Narang, Whole Time Director of Reliance Petroleum Limited, “Cutting Edge is nothing but an innovative technology, whose application benefits the “User” organization both qualitatively as well as quantitatively at a substantial cost benefit,”.

Earlier, welcoming the exhibitors, delegates and invites from the Industry, Mr. V.V. Surya Rau, President (Group Manufacturing) Reliance Industries Limited who chaired the National Advisory Council for the event stated that emphasis was shifting towards ‘Knowledge Managment’. “Normally the profits of ‘Brick’ and ‘Mortar’ business is around 6 to 10% of sales turnover”, he stated, “Most business run in the 85-90% efficiency and occupancy range what differentiates the pace setters from laggards is the focus towards 10-15% DIPSILON which is an acronym for deviation from excellence”. He exhorted Indian entrepreneurs and technocrats to measure their deviation from excellence and focus their efforts in bridging the gap innovatively. “Mere words extolling virtues,” he said, “are not enough”. People tools for building these bridge, he emphasized. Automation, Process control, Fluid Power, Robotics are some tools that would help.

He commended the Foundation and the Times of India Group for organizing this Techno-economic Summit and noted that “Seeing is Believing” was a vital aspect of this summit. Therefore, he felt the success of this event, should be measured by the improvement in the bottom-lines of the ‘Users’ and ‘Vendors’ through enhanced interaction. Keeping in view the need for recognizing some outstanding technological innovations taking place in “Fluid Power” and “Instrumentation & Control” sectors, India-Tech Foundation and the Times of India group publications decided to institute “Excellence Awards”. These will be given away every year. Case studies demonstrating application of innovative technologies for a sizable qualitative as well as quantitative benefits for the Indian Industry were invited and evaluated by a “Panel of Judges” comprising some eminent experts from the “User” Industry. Short listed case studies were presented at a “Special Session”, which was chaired by Dr. R.K. Narnag who was also the Chairman of the ‘panel of Judges’ and Awards for Excellence in “Fluid Power” and “Instrumentation & Control” sectors were given away by Shri Chahagan Bhujbal, Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra at a glittering ceremony. The Award for Excellence in “Fluid Power” sector was conferred on FESTO Controls Ltd., Bangalore for their quality products, which enhance productivity at a relatively low capital investment in a wide range of manufacturing/processing industry.

Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. won the “Excellence Award” in “Instrumentation & Control” sector for their innovative way of utilizing instrumentation for process/productivity improvement leading to cost-benefit to the company.

Mr. Indra Mohan, President, India-Tech Foundation informed that the 3-day International conference had 32 presentations both from the “Vendor” segment highlighting some new innovations and from the ‘user’ industry providing vital inputs about “Shape of things to come” in respective sectors in the next 10-15 years. These presentations also brought into focus the aspirations and expectations of the User Industry about the technologies, equipment and systems for “Fluid Power & Instrumentation” sector. And that 4-day exhibition has over 50 Indian exhibitors displaying some ‘state-of-the-art’ Technologies, Services and products in “Fluid Power & Instrumentation” fields alongside 11 overseas exhibits. Over 50000 technocrats and decision-makers both from the ‘User’ and the ‘Vendor’ Industry witnessed the exposition.

An excellent opportunity for relaxation and networking was also provided through a reception and dinner hosted by the organizers for delegates, exhibitors and invites from the industry as well as some select members of the Consular Corps.