May 16, 2015: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), in collaboration with the University of St. Gallen Switzerland, conducted a rather interesting panel discussion on Saturday, 16 May, 2015, on the opportunities of Swiss technology in India.
The event began with Dr. Balz Strasser, Consul General of Switzerland in Bengaluru, welcoming all those present, followed by a warm greeting by Dr. Sushil Vachani, Director, IIMB, who, in his short note, highlighted the common interests between Swiss and Indian entrepreneurs. H.E. Dr. L. Von Castelmur, Ambassador of Switzerland, went on to introduce the Chief Guest H.E. Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, Minister of Economics Affairs, Education and Research, Switzerland.
“Innovation, to me, is something for which someone is willing to pay,” remarked Mr. Schneider-Ammann who vehemently expressed how innovation is required for the growth of every economy. He added, “It (innovation) is not a government issue, but is taken up only by the private sector.” Mr. Schneider-Ammann also stressed on the requirement of collaboration and efficiency, saying that for Switzerland, being a small country (in size) has helped in collaboration in the field of research and development.
Later, the panel discussion began, with the panel consisting of Neeraj Sagar, Partner, Egon Zehnder, as moderator; Bazmi Husain, MD, ABB India; Reinhard Glueck, CSO, Zydus Cadila Healthcare and Abubaker Koya, MD, Geberit Plumbing Technology.
Mr. Sagar roused the topic of India being considered a centre for cheap production. Mr. Husain disagreed with the notion stating how they were compelled to look for supplier substitution in India as a marketplace, due to expensive rates of copper. “India is a high volume, low price, and sensitive market”, he added.
Mr. Glueck expressed that he is impressed with the management techniques in India. He contrasted the system of hierarchy in Switzerland to that in India, stating that Indians have respect for hierarchy, whereas the Swiss are respectful towards people of every level of the hierarchy structure, irrespective of whether he or she holds a high-position or is a technician.
“They (Indians) are eager to develop and are hungry.” Added Mr. Glueck, when the panelists were questioned about their views on India’s strengths, Mr. Husain agreed stating that India has a hunger to do better. Mr. Koya too expressed that India has come a long way from where it was a few years ago.
The panel discussion was followed by a question round where the audience actively interacted with the panelists. The discussion proved to be highly informative and an exchange of opinions and cultural inputs. The vote of thanks was delivered by Siamak Rouhani, Head of Economics and Commercial Section, Switzerland.
May 16, 2015: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), in collaboration with the University of St. Gallen Switzerland, conducted a rather interesting panel discussion on Saturday, 16 May, 2015, on the opportunities of Swiss technology in India.
The event began with Dr. Balz Strasser, Consul General of Switzerland in Bengaluru, welcoming all those present, followed by a warm greeting by Dr. Sushil Vachani, Director, IIMB, who, in his short note, highlighted the common interests between Swiss and Indian entrepreneurs. H.E. Dr. L. Von Castelmur, Ambassador of Switzerland, went on to introduce the Chief Guest H.E. Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, Minister of Economics Affairs, Education and Research, Switzerland.
“Innovation, to me, is something for which someone is willing to pay,” remarked Mr. Schneider-Ammann who vehemently expressed how innovation is required for the growth of every economy. He added, “It (innovation) is not a government issue, but is taken up only by the private sector.” Mr. Schneider-Ammann also stressed on the requirement of collaboration and efficiency, saying that for Switzerland, being a small country (in size) has helped in collaboration in the field of research and development.
Later, the panel discussion began, with the panel consisting of Neeraj Sagar, Partner, Egon Zehnder, as moderator; Bazmi Husain, MD, ABB India; Reinhard Glueck, CSO, Zydus Cadila Healthcare and Abubaker Koya, MD, Geberit Plumbing Technology.
Mr. Sagar roused the topic of India being considered a centre for cheap production. Mr. Husain disagreed with the notion stating how they were compelled to look for supplier substitution in India as a marketplace, due to expensive rates of copper. “India is a high volume, low price, and sensitive market”, he added.
Mr. Glueck expressed that he is impressed with the management techniques in India. He contrasted the system of hierarchy in Switzerland to that in India, stating that Indians have respect for hierarchy, whereas the Swiss are respectful towards people of every level of the hierarchy structure, irrespective of whether he or she holds a high-position or is a technician.
“They (Indians) are eager to develop and are hungry.” Added Mr. Glueck, when the panelists were questioned about their views on India’s strengths, Mr. Husain agreed stating that India has a hunger to do better. Mr. Koya too expressed that India has come a long way from where it was a few years ago.
The panel discussion was followed by a question round where the audience actively interacted with the panelists. The discussion proved to be highly informative and an exchange of opinions and cultural inputs. The vote of thanks was delivered by Siamak Rouhani, Head of Economics and Commercial Section, Switzerland.