Reimagining Manufacturing
01.11.2025
- Reimagining Manufacturing
Context
NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub, in collaboration with CII and Deloitte, released the roadmap “Reimagining Manufacturing: India’s Roadmap to Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing,” outlining how frontier technologies like AI, Robotics, and Digital Twins can position India among the top three global manufacturing hubs by 2035.
About the Roadmap
Overview:
- Covers 13 high-impact manufacturing sectors grouped under five clusters.
- Proposes a 10-year strategic plan (2026–2035) focused on integrating advanced technologies across production ecosystems to boost productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
Current Status and Goals:
- India’s manufacturing sector currently contributes 15–17% to GDP, lagging behind peers like China (25%) and South Korea (27%).
- The roadmap aims to increase manufacturing’s share to 25% by 2035, create over 100 million skilled jobs, and increase India’s merchandise exports from 2% to 6.5% of global trade.
- Projected economic gains include adding US$270 billion to GDP by 2035 and US$1 trillion by 2047 through high-value industrial growth.
Technological Focus:
- Frontier technologies featured include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, Digital Twins, and Advanced Materials.
- Emphasis on deploying AI and ML for predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimization.
- Digital Twins to simulate real-time manufacturing environments and Robotics to enhance precision, safety, and productivity.
Key Challenges:
- Low R&D spending (below 1% of GDP) affecting innovation and patenting capacity.
- Fragmented supply chains and limited digital connectivity, especially among MSMEs.
- Workforce skilling gaps regarding automation and AI tools.
- Infrastructure deficits like absence of smart industrial parks, 5G connectivity, and reliable energy supply.
- Regulatory and data governance delays hinder digitisation and interoperability.
Initiatives Taken:
- National Manufacturing Mission coordinating frontier tech adoption and research funding.
- Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to boost manufacturing in sunrise sectors such as electronics and semiconductors.
- Development of industrial corridors like Gati Shakti and PM MITRA to improve logistics and connectivity.
- Integration of Make in India and Digital India campaigns to strengthen self-reliance in production.
- Skill India and AICTE initiatives promoting industry-aligned modular training.
Recommendations:
- Establish a Global Frontier Technology Institute (GFTI) as a Centre of Excellence for R&D, testing, and certification.
- Develop 20 tech-enabled Plug & Play industrial parks with 5G and simulation facilities.
- Build shared technology access platforms for MSMEs to affordably use AI, robotics, and automation.
- Encourage a champion-based mentorship model where large industries support MSMEs with innovation and tech adoption.
- Promote the servicification of manufacturing by integrating AI and IoT for value-added service solutions.
- Create a national digital backbone with a real-time industrial IoT network for efficient data exchange and predictive analytics.
- Launch state-specific frontier tech skilling missions to regionalize expertise and promote specialized training.
Conclusion
The report envisions a manufacturing revolution in India driven by technology, talent, and transformation. By embracing frontier technologies and systematic reforms, India can leap from a cost-efficient producer to a global leader known for innovation, quality, and sustainability—realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.