The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has invited proposals from organizations and startups to develop a comprehensive Industry 4.0 baseline survey focused on the digital transformation of India’s MSME sector through 5G technologies. This survey aims to evaluate the current readiness of MSMEs in the manufacturing sector for Industry 4.0, identifying areas for improvement and prioritizing investments.
Industry 4.0 represents a major transformation in manufacturing, driven by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing to boost efficiency, productivity, strategy, and competitiveness. The Telecom Centre of Excellence India, a public-private partnership initiative, is spearheading the survey to understand the challenges MSMEs face in adapting to these technologies.
“The survey aims to establish a robust ecosystem that can leverage the capabilities of 5G and 6G networks. This includes identifying sector-specific needs in at least 10 sectors, recognizing the diverse landscape of MSMEs, and providing targeted support to foster innovation and competitiveness,” the department stated.
The survey is designed to address immediate barriers to digital transformation and pave the way for the integration of cyber-physical systems through 5G and 6G technologies, driving sustainable growth across sectors. It will cover five sectors each in the northern and southern parts of India over a 60-day period. The key recommendations from the survey will inform policy interventions to achieve the transformative adoption of Industry 4.0, enhancing the competitive positioning and survivability of MSMEs.