Picture Courtesy: TheDialog
In a significant boost to Indo-German relations, New Delhi, on 12 August, hosted a pivotal conference today focused on sustainable innovation.
The event, titled “Sustainability: The Technology Imperative for Our Future: German Innovations in India,” was organized by Fraunhofer and the German Embassy, underscoring the deepening collaboration between the two nations in technology and sustainability.
A Gathering of Industry Leaders
The conference attracted top executives from leading German companies including Mercedes Benz, SAP, MERCK, Continental, Daimler Truck, FESTO, Siemens Healthineers, Bosch Global Software Technologies, and Infineon.
Their presence highlighted the growing partnership between India and Germany in advancing technological and sustainable innovations.
Launch of a Key Knowledge Paper
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a strategic knowledge paper titled “From India to the World: How India Can Transform into a Global Product Development and Innovation Hub.”
The paper, co-authored by Anandi Iyer, Director of Fraunhofer India; Soumya Gopinathan from Mercedes Benz Research Development India; and Dr. Fabian Hecklau from Fraunhofer Institute of Production Systems and Design Technology, Berlin, outlines a roadmap for India to emerge as a leader in global product development and innovation.
Statements from Key Figures
German Ambassador to India, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, emphasized the importance of the conference within the broader context of Indo-German relations. He noted, “This conference aligns perfectly with the increasing cooperation between our governments. With high-level dialogues planned between German and Indian leaders later this year, the timing of this initiative is ideal. It reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation and addressing global challenges together.”
Neeraj Sinha, representing the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, praised the initiative’s potential to drive further innovation in India. He commented, “India has made significant strides in fostering innovation at various levels, from grassroots initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission to high-level collaborations with industry. However, much more remains to be done. This initiative, bringing together German industry expertise, has the potential to catalyze even greater advancements in our innovation landscape.”
Anandi Iyer from Fraunhofer India highlighted the importance of showcasing the contributions of German industry to R&D in India. She stated, “German companies have been at the forefront of innovation in India, contributing significantly to research and development across various sectors. It is crucial that we continue to highlight and build upon these contributions, ensuring that they are integrated into broader national and global strategies for technological advancement.”
Looking Ahead
The conference also set the stage for future collaborations, with discussions focused on leveraging German technological innovations to support India’s sustainable development goals.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to enhance Indo-German cooperation, recognizing the critical role that technology and innovation will play in shaping a sustainable future.
