Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic sector of the economy. SMEs play a crucial role in providing large employment opportunities at comparatively lower capital cost and have long term prospects in the global perspective. India, in particular, has the advantage of its core strength of human resource, a strong base of entrepreneurs, and a robust and growing domestic demand.

It is believed that sustained and all inclusive growth is more likely to come from growth in domestic manufacturing. The ‘Make in India’ initiative to get Indian companies and global firms to invest and partner in the manufacturing sector is highly relevant for India. This can be achieved by fostering innovation, enhancing skill development and by more cost effective quality conscious manufacturing by SMEs. The jugaad attitude has to give place to efficient organization and manufacturing structures. If this happens India will certainly see new age entrepreneurs who have the potential to create globally competitive businesses in India emerging in large numbers. Already many SMEs that are innovative, inventive and international in their business outlook, with a strong technological base, competitive spirit can be seen in many manufacturing and service sector activities.

'Make in India' is an all encompassing term with comprehensive connotations for micro and macro economics, management, financial investment, banking, business development, manufacturing, marketing and policy formulation. It requires various sectors to work in sync and complement each other. Giving boost to manufacturing sector needs no greater emphasis to develop India as a manufacturing hub and to attract foreign direct investments.

The theme of the conference ‘Make in India Initiative : Role and Challenges for SMEs in the Global Perspective’ has been divided into sub–themes that have been identified taking into consideration related issues of human resource, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, technology, production and operations. This has been done in the hope that management educators and researchers would be able to provide fresh thinking. Through discussion and dialogue, the endeavor will be to create a platform that connects East and West, with the aim of educating and preparing the next generation.

The conference is being organized jointly by the Poornima School of Management, Poornima Group of Colleges and the Poornima University, Jaipur in collaboration with Hanyang University Business School, Seoul, South Korea.

Main objectives of this conference