Invitation to an upcoming event:
The “Hidden Champions” and the India Challenge:
Market Entry and Cultivation Strategies for German “Mittelstand”
India has emerged as an important powerhouse of economic growth with global ramifications. An emerging and aspiring middle class, remarkable technological capabilities, integration in the global governance structures, and a supportive demographic structure coupled with the enormous need for modernization and upgrading of the country’s physical infrastructure provide an unparalleled avenue of economic growth for many coming decades. The “hidden champions” consisting of the renowned German “Mittelstand” (small and mid-sized firms) can participate in this growth story and help shape the Indian dream for “inclusive growth”. However, the long-term opportunities of engaging India seem too daunting for many a “hidden champion” owing to both real and perceived challenges in overcoming bureaucratic and market hurdles. At the same time, German firms would be ill-advised to ignore this market and leave the growth to their rivals from other (emerging market) multinationals.
This event is conceptualized as a part of lively industry-academia collaboration in Hamburg. It is inspired by an in-depth empirical survey conducted at the Institute of Technology and Innovation Management of Hamburg University of Technology (TIM/TUHH). With the help of industry leaders (talks and panel discussion) we will take a closer look at overcoming challenges facing the “hidden champions” in India and elaborate strategies of market participation based on experiences of various successful firms. Topics covered during this event will focus on product portfolios, innovation strategies, marketing & distribution, research and development, and location decisions etc. An important aspect would be to examine the potential of India as a lead market for frugal innovations.
Date: 10.09.2013, 13:30 – 18:00h
Venue: Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Plenarsaal
Organizers: GIRT Hamburg, Institute of Technology and Innovation Management at Hamburg University of Technology (TIM/TUHH), Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India
Language: German
Contact: Dr. Stephan Buse (stephan.buse@tuhh.de), Dr. Rajnish Tiwari (tiwari@tuhh.de)