New Delhi, Jan 11 (KNN) Union Ministry for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has sought comments and views from the stakeholders on the proposed 'National Technology Mission' that aims to converge efforts towards technology upgradation of MSMEs and ease access to technology.

UK Sinha-led RBI Expert Committee on MSMEs has recommended that a technology mission should be launched by the MSME ministry for convergence of the efforts of various stakeholders for technology upgradation by the sector.

The ministry has prepared a draft discussion paper on 'Promoting Technology Adoption by MSMEs - Mission Document' and requested all stakeholders to give their comments or views by January 25.

''The National Technology Mission is a major initiative of the O/o DC, Ministry of MSME that aims to ease the access to technology for the MSME sector through a focused & holistic approach with provisioning of technology upgradation support programmes, creation of common facilities, promoting centers of excellence and innovation, fostering a knowledge economy, industrial research, design & standardization. It will act as a major contributor in bridging the gap between the technology offerings i.e. the supply-side and the challenges faced by the demand side,'' the Ministry said.

The Ministry also said that the technology mission will focus on activities modeled around 07 different pillars known as Emerging Technology, Human Capital, and Access to Finance, Infrastructure, and Market place, Policy and Governance and Knowledge Creation.

''The mission aims to converge the efforts of various stakeholders for technology upgradation of the MSMEs across the country who have been hitherto operating in isolation. The focus will not just be on technology incubation and adoption but also on providing short term and long-term training programs, consultancy and facility support to MSMEs,'' the Ministry added.

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