3.1.1 A detailed study and discussions with various industrial units has resulted in identifying technologies, which are suitable for technology transfer. The manufacturing sector in Tamil Nadu and Kerala are amongst the most developed in India and consequently can be a good source of technologies to the developing world.

3.1.2 The technologies, turnkey projects and systems identified for technology transfer are as follows:

The turnover of the companies offering technologies/projects range from USD 0.06 Mn to USD 120 Mn. The technologies/projects offered range from USD 0.013 Mn to USD 26 Mn.The cumulative value of projects offered is USD 150 Mn.

3.1.3 The technologies are proven and commercialized in India. The unique strengths of Indian system which makes the technology exports feasible are:

Low capital investment

Focus on labour intensive low cost operations

Superior indigenous engineering skills

3.1.4 The traditional exporters of technologies are from developed countries where the focus is continuously on higher levels of automation, large scale operations and high capital costs. These factors lead to "unsuitability" of such technologies for developing countries. The SMEs from Tamil Nadu and Kerala are well suited to cater to such technological requirements of developing countries in diverse sectors such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, textiles and traditional system of medicine.

3.1.5 In the extensive survey carried out, it was noted that most Small and Medium Scale organizations are focused on exporting products and services. The focus on technology exports is limited at best. While a large number of organizations have gained critical know-how for developing new products, the ability to transform it in the form of IP or exportable technology package is very limited. The limited focus on technology exports is due to following factors:

Pre-dominant practice of importing technology and modifying it to suit Indian requirements leading to lack of R&D focus

Focus on developed countries as export markets where competitive advantage lies in exporting products and services

There is an impending requirement of educating the SSI managers about the potential for exporting turnkey projects/ development of indigenous R&D and the benefits of exporting technologies.

3.1.6 Creating a few success stories and communicating the benefits to larger community would also help in building the momentum for technology exports from India.

3.1.7 There is a need to extensively promote the profiled technologies and organizations in the developing countries. Following are the suggested mechanisms of promotion:

Hosting the technologies in technology exchange internet platforms (E.g. www.yet2.com)

Participation in technology fairs / exhibitions for interaction with potential customers

Distribute the project profiles among the prospective entrepreneurs through Chambers of Commerce, Financial Institutions and industry Associations

3.1.8 A well-defined program needs to be developed for target countries which should include interaction with the entrepreneurs to identify the needs. Any selling should be customer focused and the technology needs to be customized for specific customer/ country requirement. This can be achieved by working in public-private partnership where DSIR works with consultants to promote Indian technologies in focused countries