“With the advent of globalization, economies have been brought closer. It has led to far reaching effects on the MSMEs. The MSME sector which is in its infant stages of development has been subject to cross-border competition. It is imperative for the MSMEs to innovate, produce cost-competent, standardized and user oriented products and services in order to sustain in the day’s competitive scenario,” said Mr. Ganesh Iyer, MD, SSA Techknowlogies (P) Ltd during the Design Awareness Seminar jointly organized on 19th February 2014 by WTC Mumbai, All India Association of Industries, Ministry for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the National Institute of Design.
Elaborating on the role of SSA Techknowlogies (P) Ltd, Mr. Iyer said that it offers Business Solutions which formulates profitable strategies and designs consumer friendly products. The group is known for optimum utilization of resources while maintaining cost efficiency.
Emphasizing on the need to innovate, Mr. Kumar Parmar, Field Executive, Design Clinic Scheme-MSMEs, National Institute of Design said the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Scale and the National Institute of Design have initiated the “Design Clinic Scheme” under the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme. The Design Clinic Scheme scheduled for implementation through the Eleventh Plan, is structured to enhance Design awareness by exposing beneficiaries to the critical nuances of process, operation, manufacturing and business aspects of Design. The total Design Clinic Scheme budget of Rs.73.58 crores, enjoys a Rs.49.08 assistance from the Government of India. The Design Clinic Scheme offers an enriching opportunity to the large sector of MSME (Associations and Units) as well as the Indian Design fraternity, including consulting firms, independent Designers, Design institutes as also Design students, to engage in assisting the country’s large and significant MSME sector.
Further, Mr. Vivek Amberkar, Principal Designer, Vivek Amberkar Product Design shared his experiences of successfully upgrading the design of the sandwich toaster, drop box and mouth freshener.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice-Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Centre and President, All India Association of Industries said MSMEs contribute to nearly 8% of country’s GDP, 45% of manufacturing output, 40% of exports and 60% employment. However, MSMEs suffer setbacks due to unavailability of adequate and timely financial assistance, no efficient marketing scheme and lack of innovative capabilities. The Design Awareness Program is an initiative of MVIRDC World Trade Centre and All India Association of Industries in inculcating innovative capabilities in the MSMEs. 

In photo Mr.Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman-WTC Mumbai, Mr. Ganesh Iyer, MD, SSA Techknowlogies (P) Ltd and Mr.Y.R.Warerkar, Executive Director-WTC Mumbai during the seminar.