Asian Development Bank (ADB) Skill Development Project

The Asian Development Bank, through the PWC, requested the advisory services of ISED, for the Additional Skills Acquisition Program (ASAP) of the Government of Kerala. The Institute’s advisory role was relating to design of labour market strategies in the specific context of the project.

Bamboo Village Project

‘Bamboo Village’ is a unique concept developed by ISED, towards operationalising a sustainable bamboo and rattan sub-sector that provides substantial employment opportunities in Kerala. The conceptualization goes back to a joint project of ISED and SIDBI in 1995, where in an attempt was made to develop an alternative operational model. The findings and recommendations of this project were subsequently picked up by the Government of Kerala and the SIDBI for implementation. The concept of ‘Bamboo Village’, subsequently, got International attention. ISED was honoured with the Oshikawa International Award by the Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo. Subsequently the International Network on Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), China, came forward to collaborate with the Institute with a multi-country project on a PCS Model.

Committee on Development of Bamboo and Rattan in Kerala

Based on the recommendations of the ISED-SIDBI study report, the Government of Kerala appointed an Expert Committee to look into these recommendations, and to draw an action plan. The Committee was chaired by Mr. K. M. Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala. The other members were, the Institute, and the small industries development bank of India.

Conference on Kerala’s MSME Development

The challenges and opportunities of Kerala’s Development have often been discussed under the rubric, ‘Kerala Model of Development’, which assumes that the State is essentially ‘social sector’- dominant, with a lope sided development of the other economic sectors. Industrial development of the State has, from time to time, followed a limited approach, with the hegemonic role of the Government, and with a much lesser emphasis on private sector development. In fact, mainstream development studies, in the context of Kerala, have sidelined the role of the private sector. ISED and the Planning Commission, New Delhi, jointly with the State Planning Board initiated a workshop on ‘Alternative Strategies for Enterprise Development in Kerala’. The initiative has resulted in the publication entitled ‘An Approach Paper on Enterprise Development in Kerala’.

Database of the Kerala Economy

A strong database, is undoubtedly, vital for the success of development planning. While the State of Kerala has a commendable record of development planning and creation of data systems, there still remains critical gaps in the subject area. In this context ISED, the State Planning Board, and the Planning Commission, New Delhi, joined together on a Workshop dealing with the subject. The event was inaugurated by Dr. S.P. Gupta, Member Planning Commission. The speakers, among others, included Mr. V. Ramachandran, Vice Chairman, and State Planning Board. The thematic sessions included all key sectors of the Kerala economy.

DPEP Evaluation Project

As a Centrally sponsored program, the District Primary Education Program is visualized as a decentralized model of Primary Education, with enhanced community involvement. At the request of the Department of Education, Government of Kerala, ISED initiated a State level study on the performance and prospects of the program in identified districts.

Gujarat MSME Report Project

‘Regional Enterprise Development Audit’ (REDA) is a specialized program of ISED that seeks to monitor the regional experience of MSME development in India. The Government of Gujarat requested the services of ISED to document the State level experience of enterprise development, and to propose Policy Perspectives on MSMEs in Gujarat. The Gujarat MSME Report, carrying concrete recommendations on the way forward for the State, was submitted to the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation. The Report was subsequently released at the ‘Vibrant Gujarat MSME Conclave’ by Mr. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of the State.

Handbook of Small Enterprises in Kerala

As a ready reckoner on the state of small enterprises in the State, ISED came out with the ‘Handbook of Small Enterprises in Kerala’. The project, at the instance of the Govt. of Kerala, was carried out under the advice and support of a State level committee of stake holders including the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, State level Bankers’ Committee, industry associations and other stake holders. The funding support was extended by Canara Bank.

ISED-British Council, Entrepreneurship Meet, Cochin

ISED, Kerala Management Association and Association of British Scholars joined together on a workshop, deliberating on recent trends in higher education in Kerala. The event was marked by the participation of Peter Gibbons, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chennai.

ISED-CASA Amsterdam Project

ISED has a long history of collaboration with researchers at the Center for Asian Studies (CASA) at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The CASA ISED collaboration draws upon the experience of a large collaborative project of the University of Amsterdam with India in the early 1980s. The ISED CASA collaboration is focused on industrial clusters and unorganized industry in Gujarat. The joint studies were contributed by P.M. Mathew from the ISED side and Mario Rutten from CASA.

ISED-CODISSIA Meet

ISED and the Coimbatore district Small scale Industries Association (CODISSIA) jointly organized a conference to deliberate on the more recent development in the MSME sector. Meant for the major MSME stake holders, the event was marked by the significant participation of Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, industry associations and premier financial institutions of the country. The focal theme of the conference was the issues brought out by the latest volume of the India MSME Report.

ISED-Commonwealth Youth Program MSME Meet, Chandigarh

ISED and the Common Wealth Youth Program, Chandigarh joined together on a conference with the theme of small enterprises and entrepreneurship with focus on youth unemployment. Meant as a multi-stake holder platform to deliberate on several cross cutting issues, the event was marked by the active participation of Mr. Rakesh Kumar Sherma, Director, and Common Wealth Youth Program. The event was locally facilitated by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and the Govt. of Punjab

ISED-EDIG Project, Kolkota

At the request of the BESO, London, ISED extended its business development services to a new organization called EDID, Calcutta, the EDIG is envisaged as an institutional solution to professional management support system for local economic development and livelihood promotion. This project in institution development is a significant initiative of the BDS center of ISED

ISED-FICCI MSME Conclave,Ahmedabad

FICCI and the ISED joined together on a MSME Conclave at Ahmadabad, focusing on the latest trends and imperatives in the subject area. The other leading partners of the program were the City Bank, Federal Bank, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation and the Govt. of Gujarat.

ISED-FKCCI Consultation on MSMEs,Bangalore

ISED FKCCI Consultative meet held at Bangalore, belongs to the India MSME Darshan Project. India MSME Report was deliberated at the meet, and came out with some conclusions. The meet was a multi-stake holder exercise, Characterised by the participation of major stake holders including government departments, financial institutions and industry associations.

ISED-Govt of Haryana MSME Meet,Faridabad

ISED and the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, govt. of Haryana. Along with the Faridabad Small scale Industries Association, organized a multi- stake holder platform to deliberate on the latest trends and issues relating to MSME development. The event was marked by the participation of relevant department of the govt. of India and of the State, financial institutions and industry associations. The focal theme of the deliberations was offered by the India MSME Report.

ISED-Govt of Tamil Nadu Policy Conference

Govt. of Tamil Nadu in its explorations on strengthening the industry associations, and for engaging them as partners of its developing agenda, initiated a collaborative program with ZDH, Germany and the ISED. A regional meet on Public, Private Partnership was organized at Chennai, jointly by the three partners. The event was marked by the active participation of all major industry associations of Tamil Nadu, the report carrying an outline of the discussions and with the major policy recommendations, has come out as an ISED publication.

ISED-Govt. of Haryana, MSME Meet, Bahadurgarh

Against the background of the inauguration of the India’s largest footwear park at Bahadurgarh, govt. of India along with ISED, organized and MSME meet with focus on the footwear sub-sector. Inaugurated by Mr. Udaya Kumar Varma, the secretary, ministry of MSME, Govt, of India, the event was marked by the active participation of a large number of entrepreneurs from various parts of Haryana

ISED-Gujrat Chamber of commerce and industry MSME Meetc

Following the major studies of ISED on the enterprise economy of Gujrat, the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and ISED joined together on an MSME Meet at Ahmadabad. The meet was inaugurated by Minister for Finance, govt. of Gujrat. As a truly multi stake holder platform, the meet involved the active participation of entrepreneurs, industrial associations, financial institutions and various govt. departments.

ISED-IIE MSME Meet, Guwahati

ISED, IIE Guwahati, and the north eastern council, joined together on an MSME meet at Guwahati. The event was inaugurated by Mr. P.P. Sharma, member of the north eastern council. The focal theme and inputs for the meet were provided by the India MSME Report.

ISED-IIE MSME Meet,Lucknow

ISED and the institute of entrepreneurship development – UP, along with bank of Baroda, convener of SLBC Uttar Pradesh, jointly organized an MSME meet at Lucknow. The theme of the discussions as also the key inputs were provided by the India MSME Report.

ISED-Invest Punjab Consultation

ISED and Invest Punjab, the promotional body of the department of industries and commerce, Govt. of Punjab, jointly organized a consultative meet on the problems and prospects of SME Promotion in Punjab. The consultation was marked by the active participation of top officials of the govt. of Punjab, representatives of the industrial associations, and entrepreneurs.

ISED-Kanara Small Industries Meet, Mangalore

ISED and the Kanara Small Industries Association joined together on a collaborative initiative, and MSME meet at Mangalore. The event held at the headquarters of the association, was marked by the active participation and deliberation from various stake holders. The event was inaugurated by Dr. N. K. Thinkgalaya, economist and  former chairman, syndicate bank.

ISED-Kollam Management Association, Kollam

ISED and the Kollam management association joined together on a seminar deliberating on issues of entrepreneurship and SME development in Southern Kerala. The event was marked by the active participation of entrepreneurs and management professionals. The meet was inaugurated by Mr. G Gopala Pillai, chairman, KINFRA.The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report

ISED-MADITSSIA SME Meet,Madurai

ISED and MEDITSSIA, the association of SME entrepreneurs of Madurai joined together on and MSME meet held at Madurai. The meet provided a multi stake holder platform for debating on the latest MSME issues and concerns threadbare. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report

ISED-Malabar Chaimber of Commerce, Calicut

ISED and the Malabar Chamber of Commerce joined together to organize an MSME meet at Calicut. The purpose of the meet was focused on deliberating the issues and concerns on MSME development with focus on the Malabar region of Kerala.

ISED-Marwar Chamber of Commerce MSME Meet,Jodhpur

ISED and the Marwar chamber of commerce joined together on a collaborative initiative, and MSME Meet at Jodpur. Organized at the Rajasthan Steel Re-rollers Association, the event was marked by the active participation of a large number of entrepreneurs. The event was supported by govt. of Rajasthan and various industry association and financial institutions. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report

ISED-MCCIA MSME Meet, Pune

ISED and the Maharashtra chamber of commerce, industry and agriculture (MCCIA), joined together on an MSME meet at Pune. With the active participation of various stake holders such as banks, professional agencies and the govt. of Maharashtra, the meet can claim a significant contribution of putting forth the key issues of MSME development with focus on the Pune region. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report

ISED-MPCCI Meet, Bhopal

The Madhya Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry and ISED joined together on organizing an MSME Meet focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the area in Madhya Pradesh. The Event was marked by the active participation and interest demonstrated by various industry associations, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as they have been brought out by the India MSME Report.

ISED-MPLUS Business Meet, Bhopal

M Plus, Bhopal and ISED joined together on organizing an MSME meet focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the area in Madhya Pradesh. The event was marked by the active participation and interest demonstrated by various industry associations, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and by the govt. of Madhya Pradesh. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report

ISED-MSME Meet, Indore

Madhya Pradesh Laghu Udyog Sangh, and ISED joined together on organizing an MSME Meet focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the area in Madhya Pradesh. The Event was marked by the active participation and interest demonstrated by various industry associations, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report.

ISED-NABARD Project - Rural Services Sector

Following the major changes in the Indian economy, especially the significant trend of rural diversification, there has been significant changes in the performance and prospects of rural service enterprises. In a context where, servitisation of the economy is a significant trend, this has important implications for policy and practice of development and credit delivery. At the request of NABARD, ISED initiated a project on the Rural Services Sector and its Dynamics with focus on the experience of Kerala. The study has subsequently come out as an ISED publication (see www.isedpublications.org).

ISED-Peenya Industrial Estate Association MSME Meet, Bangalore

ISED and the Peenya Industrial Estate Association, the largest of its kind in Asia, along with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka initiated an MSME Conference at Bangalore. The Event was marked by the active participation of industry associations, financial institutions and professional institutions like IIM Bangalore. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report.

ISED-PHD Chamber of Commerce MSME Meet, Ludhiana

ISED and the PHD Chamber of Commerce, along with the Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Punjab, joined together on an MSME Meet at Chandigarh, The Event was inaugurated by Mr. S S. Channy, Secretory, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab. The Event was marked by the active participation of entrepreneurs from various leading MSME sub-sectors of the State. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as it has been brought out by the India MSME Report.

ISED-Planning Commission-Kerala's Industrial Development- An Agenda

ISED, along with Planning commission, New Delhi, State Planning Board and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, joined together to organize a Policy Conference on Enterprise Development in Kerala. The Event was marked by the active participation of a large number of entrepreneurs and various stake holder institutions. Based on the deliberations, a policy document entitled ‘An Approach Paper on Development of Small Enterprises’ was brought out. The Event was inaugurated by Dr. S P Gupta, member, planning commission, New Delhi, in the presence of C M Dinesh Mani, Mayor of Cochin, and V Ramachandran, Vice Chairman, State Planning Board.

ISED-REDA State Projects

Regional Enterprise Development Audit (REDA) is a Specialized Project of ISED focusing on the regional needs and aspirations of development. The Program involves a unique and homegrown methodology of ISED, which was subsequently applied in various States such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The focal idea behind the program is to examine and monitor Enterprise Development at the sub-national level from the States to the Gram Panchayats. REDA is a recurring program of the Institute that has been implemented by the ISED Centre for Monitoring Enterprise Development in the States (ISED-CMEDS).

ISED-South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, Surat

ISED along with FICCI and the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries joined together on organizing an MSME Meet at Surat. The Event was marked by the active participation of all major MSME stake holders. The focal point of the debates was the themes and issues of current relevance, as they have been brought out by the India MSME Report.

ISED-Sriram Centre Meet, New Delhi

Following the release of India Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Report 2016, a joint Stakeholder Meet on MSMEs was organized by the Institute and the Sriram Center for Industrial Research, New Delhi. The Event was marked by a cross-section of various MSME stake holders. The India MSME Report was discussed with focus on the recent developments at the National level and in the State. The Event was marked by the active participation of the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), Government of India.

ISED-Study Project on MSME Association in Andhra Pradesh

Industry Associations especially that of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises have important role to play in shaping industrial policies and practice in India. However, the experience today is marked by their significant role confined to lobbying. The vast potential of Industry Associations’ lie in taking up, developmental issues at the sub-sector level, and in offering demand-driven services to their members. Against this background, the ISED-Swiss Development Cooperation Program looked into a mapping of the role and relevance of MSME Associations in South India. This project on Andhra Pradesh has come out with some important observations and recommendations specific to the State.

ISED-TANSTIA MSME Stakeholder Meet, Chennai

ISED and TANSTIA, the lead MSME Association of Tamil Nadu, has a long history of cooperation since 1989. Such cooperation has resulted in exchange of information, and sharing of knowledge and support services from ISED to TANSTIA. The Institute, jointly with TANSTIA, organized a Stake holder Meet on MSMEs at Chennai, along with the support of the State Department of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The Meet has come out with several recommendations to which the Government of Tamil Nadu has responded positively. It has also led to an action plan for capacity building of TANSTIA, where in ISED offered its services to the Government of Tamil Nadu.

ISED-UNICEF (Malappuram Project)

ISED and UNICEF joined together to initiate a Project on the so-called ‘Malappuram Miracle’ that has attracted attention in the debates on the ‘Kerala Model of Development’.  While Kerala has significant achievements on two of the key social sectors, i.e., Education and Health, the backward District Malappuram has demonstrated achievements much greater than that of the average rates of Kerala. The Study by ISED has come out with the UNICEF-ISED Report entitled ‘The Malappuram Miracle’.

Kalady Skill Mapping Project

Rural Skills offers a significant potential in the agenda of Rural Development and Enterprise Promotion in the rural areas. Based on its field-level research and training interventions, ISED is convinced on the need for mapping rural skills that could be translated into entrepreneurial channels. Against this background, ISED and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have joined together under a unique program of skill mapping at the local level. The Unique Project, entitled Local Level Skill Mapping was initiated at Kalady in Kerala. The Report of the project has since been published by the ISED Small Enterprise Observatory (see www.isedpublications.org).

Kerala Enterprise Development Report Project

Government of Kerala, through the Department of Industries and Commerce, requested the services of ISED to initiate a program of regular reporting of enterprise development in the State. The Kerala Enterprise Development Report was a joint project of the State Industries Department, KSTDC, and the Institute. The Report was subsequently deliberated in the State Legislative Assembly on May 5, 2017.

Madurai Sericulture Evaluation Project

Sericulture as a sub-sector has significant potential in India’s rural context, because of its agro-industrial linkages. However, the potential still remains inadequately utilized. The Madurai Sericulture Project is and innovative initiative having an integrated approach to sericulture development, initiated by a local NGO called Institute of Self-Management. The Project was facilitated by the Canadian Cooperative Association (CCA). The mid-term evaluation of the Project was carried out by ISED.

Malanadu Sericulture Evaluation Project

Sericulture as a sub-sector has significant potential in India’s rural context, because of its agro-industrial linkages. However, the potential still remains inadequately utilized. The Kerala Sericulture Project is and innovative initiative having an integrated approach to sericulture development, initiated by a local NGO called Malanadu Development Society. The Project was facilitated by the Canadian Cooperative Association (CCA). The mid-term evaluation of the Project was carried out by ISED.

Programme on ‘Globalization and SMEs’

‘Globalization and SMEs’ is a Pan-Kerala Programme designed and initiated by ISED, in co-operation with the State Planning Board, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, and the State Level Bankers’ Committee. The Programme was visualized against the backdrop of the Gulf War that had a perceived significant impact on the economy of the State of Kerala. The Program was meant to make an assessment of the impact of the War relating to return migration, job losses, and of the consequent livelihood crisis. It was designed and implemented on a multi-stake holder platform involving the State Planning Board, Department of Industries and Commerce, Financial institutions, public promotional agencies, Kerala State Small Industries Association, and other business associations and Chambers. Stake holder Meets were organized in all the 14 districts of the State. The output of the Project has come out as a report (see www isedpublications.org)

Project on ‘Credit Unions and Cooperatives’

The concept of ‘Credit Unions’ is a traditional global concept for community co-operation and financing of Community Development Programs. ISED joined with the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) for monitoring and making recommendations on Credit Unions and Cooperatives in India. The sub-sectors included sericulture, dairy and some others, where village producer groups are active.

Project on ‘Parentage and Entrepreneurial Performance’

Enterprise development generally happens in a larger cultural context, which is dominated by the value system and the aspirations of the people. These, in turn, are shaped by the specific features of communities and neighborhoods, where in, the role of community groups, religion, and caste have an important role. In the State of Kerala, the Christian community has demonstrated a significant role as entrepreneurs. While the value systems and beliefs have contributed both positively and negatively in shaping the nature of entrepreneurship, it is important to channelize the positive aspects in the larger interest of Kerala’s development. This joint Project of ISED and the Indian Council of Social Science Research looks into the relationship between, culture, and entrepreneurship expressed in terms of “parentage”. The study is in the context of the story of Kerala’s initiatives for enterprise development.

Social Enterprises: ISED-Association of British Scholars Lecture, Cochin

Social Enterprises is an emerging area of interest in both developed and emerging economies, due to their social content implicit in the entrepreneurial activity. Jointly with the Association of British Scholars (ABS), ISED organized a public lecture on the subject, with its implications for knowledge sharing and policy in India. The Lecture was delivered by Helen Vines from the University of Cambridge.

State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Kerala, Trivandrum

The State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC), headed by Canara Bank, requested the advisory role of ISED as a Member of the Committee. The SLBC is the statutory apex policy making body responsible for shaping policies and strategies relating to credit delivery in the State. The Committee includes representatives of the State Government, the banking institutions, and promotional agencies. ISED is an expert Member of the Committee.

Strategies for MSME Development in Punjab

ISED, jointly with the ‘Invest Punjab’, a promotional body under the Department of Industries and Commerce, organized a Consultative Meet on MSME development strategies in the State. The Event held at Udyog Bhavan, Chandigarh, was marked by the presence of top officials of the Department of Industries and Commerce and Industry Associations of the State. The Meeting deliberated on the challenges and opportunities of MSME development, as in 2019, against the backdrop of the findings and recommendations of India MSME Report 2019.

Tamil Nadu MSME Report Project

The ‘Regional Enterprise Development Audit’ (REDA) program of ISED, as also the India MSME Communication Program (IMCP) have caught the attention of several State Governments. The Government of Tamil Nadu, through the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, requested the services of ISED to prepare the Tamil Nadu MSME Report. The Project came out with its final report on date December 15, 2018, carrying recommendations and strategies for MSME development in the State.

Tamil Nadu MSME Stakeholders' Meet

The State of Tamil Nadu has the largest MSME presence in India with a significantly huge share of micro enterprises in the country. Impressed by the Regional Enterprise Development Program of ISED, the Government of Tamil Nadu requested the services of the Institute. To initiate a project on monitoring the state of MSMEs.  Against the background of such a project, the Institute initiated a series of ‘Stake holders Meets’ in identified districts of the State.  Of the 31 districts, Meets were organized in 13 districts having distinctive structural features. Relating to MSME characteristics. The stake holder Meet, was characterised by the active support and participation of the State Department of MSMEs, Lead Banks, and MSME Associations.

Task Force on Kerala's Ninth Five Year Plan

The State Planning Board Kerala, appointed ISED as a Member of the Task Force for the Ninth Five Year Plan. The Task Force included experts in the area of Industry and Enterprise Development. The Institute made the key recommendation of a ‘State Small Enterprise Commission’, with a specific mandate for evolving strategies for the development of enterprises in the State. The recommendations of ISED have been carried by the Report of the Working Group on Industry for the Ninth Five Year Plan.

Task Forces and Working Groups – State Planning Board Kerala

ISED has been serving the State Planning Board, Kerala in a Consultative-Advisory role as a Member of the Task Forces and Working Groups since the Eighth Five year plan.

Tenth Five Year Plan Conference

On lines of the framework of the Tenth Five year plan at the national level, ISED initiated a National Seminar on Kerala’s Enterprise Development. The Seminar was inaugurated by Dr. S. P. Gupta, Member, Planning Commission.

Women’s World Banking Project

The ‘Self-help Group Model’ has demonstrated diverging experiences across various States in India. In Kerala, though the ‘Kudumbashree Model’ has a significant clout, and official patronage, there are also other regional success stories. The experience of SHGs promoted by BSS is prominent in the southern districts of Kerala. This Project, a joint initiative of ISED and the Women’s World Banking, Ahmedabad, looks into the performance and prospects, as also the activity structure of the Self-help Groups in Trivandrum district, Kerala.