Government implementing `design clinic' scheme for small units
17 Feb 2010
The government is in the process of implementing a design clinic scheme for bringing design expertise to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. Part of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP), the scheme is being implemented by the development commissioner for MSME, during the 11th plan period.
The design clinic scheme is intended to enhance industry understanding and application of design and innovation and promote design as a value addition activity, a government release said.
Over time, design and innovation will be integrated into mainstream business and industrial processes of MSMEs, it added.
The goal is to help manufacturing industries in the MSME sector move up the value chain by switching the production mode from original equipment manufacturing to original design and manufacturing.
The design clinic scheme will integrate design and manufacturing and help change the general approach in the Indian manufacturing sector. It would also help find cost effective solutions on real time design problems, resulting in new product development or value addition for existing products.
The design clinic scheme brings design exposure to the doorstep of industry clusters, helping design improvement, evaluation, analysis and adoption as also long-term consultancy and design intervention.