Panjab University Hosts National Workshop to Boost MSME Innovation and Manufacturing Growth

Chandigarh, June 26, 2026: DST-Centre for Policy Research (CPR), Panjab University (PU), conducted a national workshop on “Fostering Research and Innovation in MSMEs India’s journey towards becoming a Global Manufacturing Hub”. The workshop aims to promote and institutionalize the Innovation Circle (IC) Model among MSMEs, helping enterprises strengthen innovation capabilities, enhance technological competitiveness, and build sustainable growth pathways.
This workshop is jointly organised with the Centre for Knowledge Ideas and Development Studies (KnIDS), Kolkata, with support from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, under the A2K+ Programme. The key highlights were understanding the Innovation Circle (IC) framework, building innovation capacity within enterprises, and strengthening Industry–Academia Collaborations. The event is graced by dignitaries from national agencies, industry and academia.
Prof. Renu Vig, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, in his inaugural address, highlighted the well-established ecosystem of PU and its progression towards achieving technology deployment. She informed that the start-up ecosystem led by students is excelling in technology transfer. She stressed improving patents and increasingthe deployment rate by academic faculty, which will be important in ranking the innovation ecosystem.
Dr Kailash Petkar, Scientist, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, New Delhi, in his address stressed upon becoming a global manufacturing hub, which requires the upliftment of MSMEs to emerge as R&D leaders. He mentioned DSIR initiatives in this regard are taking the lead through various schemes such as Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRDTH) and Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs (PRISM) as well as collaborating with national agencies such as CSIR and NITI Aayog.
Dr Ashok A. Sonkusare, Deputy Adviser (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog, graced the event. He highlighted that the concept of the innovation circle is very important in existing R&D ecosystem to increase the contribution to GDP. He mentioned R&D need to connect with innovation output to meet the 2047 goals of Viksit Bharat. Mission-like Atal Innovation Mission, studies such as ‘Ease of Doing Research’ have continuously contributed in this regard.
Prof. Pradosh Nath, Director, KnIDS, Kolkata, in his address, informed the need to understand how the innovation is happening, taking one step up from why innovation is important.
Dr Parveen Arora, Fmr. Adviser, DST, GoI. New Delhi & Adviser, STI, KnIDS, Kolkata, introduced the audience to the innovation circle model, necessary to uplift the innovation capacity of MSMEs and complete the cycle of intra-enterprise interaction.
Prof. Kashmir Singh, Coordinator, DST-CPR, Panjab University, Chandigarh, highlighted that organising such a workshop can bridge the gap between industry and academia as well as serve as a knowledge-sharing platform. As many as 100 delegates from industry, MSMEs, and academia showed their presence.