Biswabrata Goswami
KHARAGPUR, 27 JULY: The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in its endeavor to foster collaboration between Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Start-ups, and Innovators, organized an event titled “Chintan Shivir-CRTDHs Empowering MSMEs” at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) today.
The event, held for the first time at DSIR-CRTDH set up at IIT Kharagpur, marked the commencement of a series of “Chintan Shivirs” planned at all 18 Common Research and Technology Development Hubs (CRTDHs) established by DSIR across the nation.
Since its inception in 2014, the CRTDH scheme has been instrumental in promoting research and technology development activities among MSMEs while fostering synergy between academia and industry. These hubs have successfully contributed to enhancing productivity, innovative capabilities, global competitiveness, and employment generation within the MSME sector.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General, CSIR, delivered the inaugural address, setting the tone for the event. The session commenced with an insightful overview of the “Chintan Shivir” by Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Scientist-G & Head-CRTDH, DSIR. Additionally, a video showcasing the DSIR-CRTDH-IIT, Kharagpur was unveiled, illustrating the research and technology development activities undertaken at the hub.
Key figures in attendance included Dr. Sujata Chaklanobis, Head, CRTDH; Dr. Vipin C Shukla, Member Secretary, CRTDH; along with esteemed officers Dr. Ranjeet Bairwa, Dr. Suman Mazumdar, and Dr. Kailash Petkar from DSIR. The event also witnessed the active participation of Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Principal Investigator of CRTDH at IIT Kharagpur, along with his team.
Representatives from MSMEs and delegates from Chambers of Commerce and industry associations also graced the event, gaining valuable insights into the role of CRTDHs in advancing their R&D endeavors.
The thematic sessions of the “Chintan Shivir” focused on providing an overview of CRTDH at IIT Kharagpur, highlighting the opportunities and infrastructure available for MSMEs. Prof. Suman Chakraborty elaborated on the technologies developed and futuristic innovations aimed at benefiting MSMEs.
During the discussions, the importance of addressing the specific R&D needs of MSMEs, Start-ups, and Innovators came to the fore. The delegates from Chambers of Commerce and industry associations shared valuable inputs regarding the challenges faced by MSMEs in their pursuit of research and development.
As a result of these deliberations, a collaborative “Samvad” emerged, aiming to identify and address five Grand Challenges faced by MSMEs, Start-ups, and Innovators. The CRTDHs are set to play a pivotal role in devising solutions to these challenges, thus empowering the MSME sector in the country.
The “Chintan Shivir-CRTDHs Empowering MSMEs” marked a significant step towards fostering stronger ties between academia, industry, and the MSME community, ultimately driving innovation, growth, and socio-economic development.
Tags: #DSIR #ChintanShivir #MSME #IIT #Kharagpur #CRTDH
