The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : “Tie up with scientists to introduce innovation in auto sector processes”

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Saturday, Oct 04, 2008
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“Tie up with scientists to introduce innovation in auto sector processes”

Special Correspondent

State lauded for introducing vehicle tracking system

— Photo: K.V. Srinivasan

Identifying trends: Principal Scientific Adviser to the Centre R. Chidambaram with conference chairman Arun Jaura at ‘Automotive R&D trends 2015’ organised by the CII in Chennai on Friday.

CHENNAI: The industry should strike a partnership with at least 2-3 scientists and professors to produce the right kind of people for introducing innovations in processes and designs, rather than products, in the automobile sector, R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Centre, said here on Friday.

Delivering the inaugural address at a conference on ‘Automotive R&D trends 2015,’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), he said prior to creating the right kind of skilled engineers, professors should be identified.

Industries should come forward to support and fund them heavily as they, in turn, could guide several hundred engineers.

Industry should start recruiting B.Tech students instead of Ph.Ds and guide them to get into direct basic research.

“If you had asked me 10 years back what kind of cars will be running in the country today, I would have failed to predict it correctly. Seven years is a short period to predict the future trend. You should plan at least 10 years in advance,” he said.

Dr. Chidambaram said India had the unique opportunity to transform itself as a global leader in innovation in the near future with the automobile sector leading the way.

He suggested innovations in product, process and design to sustain competitiveness and provide value addition to customers.

Commending the Tamil Nadu government for introducing vehicle tracking system in public transport, he said that such innovations benefited the public at large.

Arun Jaura, conference chairman, said research and development (R&D) spending by India was $45 billion as against $216 billion by China. India would overtake China due to its quality and agility.

However, the industry, while designing new vehicles, should accord priority for safety, fuel efficiency and environment technology.

Srivats Ram, Wheels India, Managing Director, said the design innovation by the automobile firms would reduce operating cost, enhance fuel efficiency and address safety and environment issues.

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