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While the concept of 'regional development' is a fancy of many official policy documents in India, since independence, an operational agenda for local economic development is yet to come up. On the eve of the World Mayors Conference that was held at Cochin in 2005, the Institute of Small Enterprises Development put forward the outline of an agenda. It brought together a number of policy enthusiasts from across the globe, to deliberate on this vital issue. The international Conference on Local Economic Development and SMEs, held on December 5, 2005, came out with the agenda setting Cochin Declaration. The document signed by 40 delegates representing different stake holder constituencies, reaffirmed their faith in a workable local economic development agenda, with SMEs at its centre stage....
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Political decentralisation is an emerging trend in most countries of the world today. But the ultimate purpose of decentralisation is to meet the basic economic aspirations of the people- ie. food, clothing and shelter. Without meeting these bare requirements, political decentralisation become meaningless.
Against the backdrop of the World Mayors' Conference held at Cochin in 2005, the ISED organised the International Conference on Local Economic Development and SMEs. Cochin Declaration, the document brought by the Conference, highlighted the MSME role in the local economic development agenda of countries. This common understanding forms the basis of INSLED-India.
The International Labour Organisation, in its latest report, paints the picture of a global polarisation of economies and increasing in equalities. However, beyond such inequalities, a common feature in all countries is the ever increasing aspirations of the people for local economic development. Local economic development, however, is a micro subject , but with macro dimensions. The particular experience of a particular economic activity or industry in a state or region may also throw up lessons for a similar region in other country. Therefore, both articulation of local need specifically and learning from each other's experience are crucial.
It is important to disseminate such best practices, to the level of international platform. Such deliberations help to shape a global reform agenda. One institution or a few people cannot play a major role in this regard, there need to be networking
In the agenda of local economic development, knowledge sharing has a key role. Research is the locomotive that can trigger the process. While the development experience is diverse across the world, and SMEs being a hugely complex subject, it is necessary to peg all these complexities to a simple platform that is understandable to the common man; local economic development.
INSLED-India understands this people's need, and tries to translate that into actionable forms. Such an exercise is possible only through global networking and through action for a common cause, based on diverse experience.
Research is a vital tool and primary step that can facilitate such networking.
INSLED India initiates several research programs and projects that leads to knowledge creation and its sharing. Our focal studies of the past include, LED theories, LED strategies and best practices, and surveys of global trends.
INSLED-India is envisaged as part of a larger international initiative. Local economic development is a country-specific subject. So, similar organisations in various countries are expected to setup their own organisations, which in turn, form part of an international platform.
Being the pioneer, INSLED-India encourages likeminded people in other countries to join in such an international collaborative platform.
At the organisation side INSLED India visualises, joining together of national initiatives, rather than having a single global platform. Therefore it visualised and encourages country chapters, which in turn, can join together to form a global platform.
The beginning was done in India in the form of the INSLED India, to be followed by like minded people in other countries.
Modes of collaboration:
• Sharing of literature
• Research co-operation
• Advisory support
• Participation in global platforms
Advisory Service is an important area in which INSLED-India can contribute to local economic development. This can be regional, national, or international.
Public policy emerges out of various sources of inputs, such as articulated demands, and practices elsewhere.
Based on our experience, we provide advisory service nationally and Internationally
Based on our experience, we provide advisory services nationally and internationally. The clientele include :
• Governments; LED strategies, organisation, seminars, training support etc.
• Private sector; linkage development, CSR, Organisational strategies
• Educational Institutions; teaching, course design
• NGO's; proposal writing, business links
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises constitute the micro form of the private sector. It demands some capabilities and creativity with individuals, that can be translated to entrepreneurship.
While the seeds of such capabilities exist in most people, it need to be nourished through policies and strategies.
Local enterprise development is a common concern around the world. Therefore, it is important for all countries to share best practices of one another.
Strategies change from time to time: Cluster Development, Entrepreneurship Development Strategies, Start up promotion etc; INSLED-India creates a platform for knowledge sharing in the area.
The agenda of private sector development means different things to different institutions and their requirements.
• For Government, local economic development strategies, organisations, Seminars and Training support.
• For Private Sector it means linkage development, CSR, Organisational strategies. etc
• For Educational Institutions it involves teaching and course design.
• For NGOs, it means proposal writing and business links.
Membership in INSLED India is open to all who are interested in local economic development and SMEs.
Seeking membership, one should apply in the prescribed membership format along with the prescribed Membership fee.
For more details, please get in touch with the Co Ordinator ( Email:- insledindia@isedonline.org)