(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) MSMEs Empowered by Science and Technology

(MAY-2025)

MSMEs Empowered by Science and Technology

Context:

Today, there is a need to connect MSMEs with more scientific and technological solutions, so that they can convert public funded research and development into products and processes. For these enterprises, schemes related to the science and technology sector have emerged as an important catalyst, which provides s cientific and technological support to MSMEs to solve problems.

Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH)

Industrial clusters play an important role in promoting regional economic development and innovation and generating competitive advantage. In this direction, the Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) programme was launched in the year 2014-15 by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
It aims to promote technological innovation in MSME clusters, address intellectual property rights issues, accelerate technology development, encourage collaboration among various stakeholders and provide scientific solutions to MSMEs.
The programme also provides collaborative platforms to MSMEs where they can address their intellectual property rights issues, develop skills, identify new market opportunities and emerging customer needs, and promote collaboration among MSME research institutions and other stakeholders.
The structure and functioning of Common Research and Technology Development Hubs involves setting up of facilities or centres in various academic and research institutions where multiple organizations collaborate on research and technology development activities. These hubs bring together industry, academia and government to work on common problems, exchange resources and pool expertise.
Under this, grants are provided by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for various needs, such as research and development facilities, analytical testing facilities, design centres, pilot plant production facilities, design engineering and prototype development, demonstration units and product exhibition centres. Through these facilities, researchers, innovators and MSMEs can get the necessary resources for their projects.

Objectives:

The initiative aims to create a facilitative and enabling environment for micro and small enterprises across the country. Through Common Facility Centres (CFCs), enterprises will get technology, raw materials, and other necessary services, which will increase their production and competitiveness. At the same time, infrastructure development will provide better workspace and technology to industries, which will boost industries in rural and remote areas.

Whether it is the “CREATE” centre in Leh or the technology centres spread across the country - all these initiatives are a concerted effort towards making the MSME sector self-reliant and technologically advanced. Models like the CREATE centre are proof of how effective government schemes can be when implemented at the grassroots level, helping to unleash local talent and drive regional economic development.
In a remote and resource-limited region like Ladakh, the CREATE centre is acting as a laboratory that is not only training and employing youth by combining traditional skills with modern technology, but is also taking the MSME sector to new heights. Through this initiative, campaigns like “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” are being transformed into a working model, not just a slogan.
It is noteworthy that under these science and technology schemes, MSMEsare being trained in cutting-edge areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Augmented Reality, so that they can successfully move towards the modern industrial revolution - Industry 4.0. Also, schemes like MSME Champions focus on components such as innovation, quality, sustainability and competitiveness, which are becoming a medium to take MSMEs to new heights at the national and international level.
Efforts such as cluster development programs; manufacturing of indigenous components, and setting up of new technology centers are not only accelerating industrial development but also encouraging local employment, skill development and social inclusion. By giving priority especially to aspiring districts, women and SC/ST owned enterprises, the government has made clear its commitment to inclusive growth.

Conclusion:

These S&T based initiatives have established MSMEs not just as an economic entity but as the focal point of innovation, employment generation, rural upliftment and the concept of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The continued expansion of these efforts in the future will not only strengthen India’s economic structure but will also emerge as a technologically strong, self-reliant and inclusive developing nation at the global level.