Samsung is actively building a comprehensive industrial design ecosystem right here in India. The company is moving from factory floors to advanced AI laboratories, signaling a major shift in how technology products are conceived and created for the Indian market.
India's Growing Role in Global Tech Manufacturing
India's consumer base continues to expand rapidly. The country is increasingly viewed as a manufacturing alternative to China. Major technology companies are responding by diversifying their supply chains. They are establishing new plants across India and focusing on local demand.
Government data confirms India has become the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. However, a critical gap remains. India still lacks the complete ecosystem that China possesses. This ecosystem spans from initial product concept stages through advanced manufacturing to final market deployment.
Samsung's Local Design Focus
South Korean technology giant Samsung is working to change this landscape. The company is placing greater emphasis on locally designed products specifically tailored for Indian consumers. J B Park, President and CEO of Samsung Southwest Asia, recently addressed journalists about this strategic direction.
"We operate a Samsung Design Centre in Noida," Park explained during discussions at the CES tech show in Las Vegas. "This centre handles all local design work for mobile phones, refrigerators, and washing machines."
Park detailed the operational timeline. "Our Noida teams work with a two-year lead time. Their designs integrate into product planning, followed by manufacturing. If you visit retail shops, you will see designs created specifically for Indian consumers. These designs are not available anywhere else globally."
The Expanding Role of Industrial Designers
From sleek smartphones to smart refrigerators and connected washing machines, design fundamentally shapes the products we use daily. As technology evolves rapidly, the role of industrial designers is transforming significantly.
Today's industrial designers need proficiency beyond traditional design skills. They must understand programming, robotics, and data analytics. Having an eye for design is no longer sufficient. Designers now require strong computational abilities to succeed.
Manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly automated. Designers play crucial roles in collaborating across multiple departments. They work with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams simultaneously. The goal extends beyond improving efficiency. Designers now help create products that are customizable at scale.
India's Manufacturing Advantages
India possesses several key advantages for manufacturing expansion. The country has a large, young workforce ready for technical roles. The government emphasizes manufacturing growth through incentives like the Production-Linked Incentive scheme.
Samsung's approach demonstrates how technology companies are diversifying their operations. The company manufactures and designs products within India. This strategy highlights how companies like Samsung are investing heavily in research and development locally.
Samsung's R&D Investment in India
India plays a central role in Samsung's future artificial intelligence strategy. The company currently employs more than 10,000 engineers across the country. These professionals work in various specialized centers.
"We have invested heavily in research and development," Park stated. "Our consumer electronics-focused R&D operates from Delhi. Mobile R&D functions from Noida. In Bengaluru, we focus on more advanced technology involving multiple categories."
Park explained the R&D centers' mission. "Their role involves upgrading software, architecting systems, and developing technology for use in the Indian market or globally."
India's Evolving Tech Landscape
According to Park, India's role has transformed dramatically over decades. "During the 1970s and 80s, the focus was entirely on manufacturing, production, and efficiency," he observed. "Now the industry has shifted decisively toward software engineering."
While this represents a significant step forward, its potential impact could be enormous. This development aligns perfectly with India's growing ambitions to position itself as a manufacturing hub for electronic goods. Experts emphasize that India needs stronger prowess in industrial design to compete effectively with China.
China serves not only as the factory of the world but also hosts world-class industrial design teams. Samsung's efforts in India represent a strategic move to bridge this gap. The company is creating an ecosystem that blends traditional design with modern software, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies.
This approach demonstrates how global technology companies view India's rising importance. They recognize the country's potential as both a massive domestic market and a growing export base. Foreign investment continues flowing steadily into India's technology sector.
Samsung's strategy reflects broader industry trends. Technology companies are betting on India's future. They see opportunities in catering to local preferences while developing global products. The Noida Design Centre exemplifies this dual approach, creating India-specific designs while contributing to Samsung's worldwide product portfolio.
The company's substantial R&D investment underscores long-term commitment. With thousands of engineers working across multiple cities, Samsung is building deep technical capabilities within India. This investment supports both immediate product development and future innovation in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
As manufacturing becomes more sophisticated, the integration of design and technology grows increasingly important. Samsung's efforts in India highlight this convergence. The company is not merely establishing manufacturing facilities but creating complete innovation ecosystems that span from initial concept to final product delivery.
