Vol 26, No 1; Article by Chirantan Chatterjee; March 2014
In Conversation with Rishad Premji, Chief Strategy Officer, Wipro Limited
Among many other items that the Indian software industry is struggling with, transitioning into the next big leap globally is a key consideration. How can Indian software firms play in the products space from being mere service providers in the global value chain? How can they co-create value for their customers? What are the necessary ways through which firms are considering disrupting their internal boundaries to engage in more meaningful innovation with accompanying strategic agility? A key aspect in this discussion is the idea of a firm, small or large, and its ability to strategically pivot and change trajectories. A recent paper by MIT and Wharton academicians (http://www.management.wharton.upenn.edu/hsu/inc/doc/papers/david-hsu-tcs... ) raises this issue especially with regard to technology commercialisation. In this conversation, Mr. Rishad Premji, Chief Strategy Officer of Wipro Limited, walks us through an understanding of these issues especially with respect to Wipro's goals related to innovation and internationalisation to remain prominent and relevant during its next big leap. He discusses the role of minority investments and the organisation's increasing awareness to be of value in an increasingly outcome-driven global software industry. He also outlines Wipro's efforts in promoting intrapreneurship and external innovation with his thoughts on participatory models in the crowd-innovation eco-system. The article highlights how Indian software companies are rejigging their firm routines at the micro and macro level and are pivoting strategically to regain their global competitive advantage over the next decade.
