Ahmedabad University Establishes Institute of Manufacturing and Economy
Ahmedabad University has officially announced the creation of the Institute of Manufacturing and Economy, a pioneering initiative designed to closely collaborate with the manufacturing industry across India. This announcement was made during the R&D Conclave on the Changing Nature of Innovation, which was held in partnership with the Centre for Technology, Innovation and Economic Research (CTIER).
A Cross-Disciplinary Approach to Manufacturing Challenges
The Institute of Manufacturing and Economy brings together a diverse team of experts, including scientists, engineers, economists, managers, social scientists, policymakers, and industry practitioners. It treats manufacturing as a complex, cross-disciplinary challenge that spans engineering, management, public policy, economics, and science. The primary emphasis is on fostering sustained collaboration with industry and government entities.
Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University, highlighted the institute's vision, stating, "Manufacturing challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Envisioned as a leading global centre for research, education, innovation, and industrial problem-solving, the Institute recognises that productivity, technology adoption, research translation, workforce readiness, and supply chain coordination require integrated perspectives and sustained collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers."
Goals and Activities of the New Institute
Through ongoing engagement with firms and industrial clusters, the institute aims to translate academic research into practical solutions for manufacturing practices while developing a unique perspective on Indian manufacturing. Professor Sunil Kale, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Co-Director of the Institute, explained, "Strengthening manufacturing requires close engagement with firms alongside a deep understanding of industrial policy, labour capabilities, productivity, and innovation systems. Advanced manufacturing will require systems integration that brings AI into various production domains. The institute is planned to work closely with the manufacturing industry in India."
The institute's planned activities are comprehensive and include:
- New product and process optimisation initiatives.
- Executive education programmes tailored for industry professionals.
- Manufacturing clinics specifically designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Publishing policy and competitiveness reports to inform stakeholders.
- Hosting the biannual Stepwell Manufacturing and Economy Dialogue.
Additionally, the institute will support postgraduate education at Ahmedabad University in key areas such as composites, microelectronics and semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, and operations management. It will also launch initiatives to support startups in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Addressing India's Manufacturing and Economic Challenges
Professor Kale further elaborated on the transformative needs of the manufacturing sector, noting, "The transformation of manufacturing demands advances in materials, processes, and digital manufacturing, alongside stronger linkages between small and large firms and better coordination across supply chains. It also requires new approaches to talent development and to research, both managerial and technological, to enhance productivity and innovation."
University authorities underscored the broader economic context, stating, "Recent Free Trade Agreements are expected to intensify global competition while opening new opportunities for Indian firms to integrate into global markets. At the same time, India's development trajectory will require increasing manufacturing's contribution to GDP from about 15 percent to 25 percent, while addressing a dual challenge of leading in innovation-driven, technology-intensive manufacturing and enabling labour-intensive enterprises to achieve high productivity and create jobs."
This strategic move by Ahmedabad University positions the Institute of Manufacturing and Economy as a critical hub for driving innovation, research, and industrial collaboration, aiming to significantly bolster India's manufacturing capabilities and economic growth.
