Karnataka has the potential to become global aerospace hub: CII report

Bangalore: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has said that, given its inherent advantages, Karnataka has the potential to become a global aerospace hub by 2015, and has urged the state government to develop a complete ecosystem for the sector.

In a report on the aerospace industry, the CII has suggested that industrial training institutes should be established in Karnataka catering to the specific needs of the aerospace industry. It has also suggested that the institutes can be established on the public-private-participation model.

It said that introduction of diploma courses in aerospace engineering could be undertaken along with the development of an aerospace engineering institution with the help of indigenous and foreign institutions imparting education in the same field.

"Today's aerospace business is driven by hardware and software in equal measure. Karnataka, in particular Bangalore, being the country's IT capital, has inherent advantages both in terms of technical and industrial base and rich skilled human resources," the report said.

The CII has recommended that the government should encourage the establishment of pilot training schools and also take the initiative to set up an aviation university. For this purpose it could consider the Tier-II cities of Mysore, Belgaum, Hubli and Mangalore for developing aerospace industries.

The body has also pushed for the creation an innovation fund by the government for small and medium enterprises in the aerospace and defence sectors, which would help boost technological innovation and development of new technology.