Global South Technology Roundtable Explores Technology Cooperation
India and emerging economies discuss technology development, commercialisation, financing and international market access
The Global South Technology Roundtable, virtually organised by STPI in partnership with MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, brought together representatives from India, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia to discuss opportunities for technology cooperation among emerging economies.
The roundtable focused on technology development, commercialisation, financing, international market access and cross-border partnerships, with participation from technology startups, investors, industry associations and representatives of innovation ecosystems.
Dr. Vijay Kalantri Highlights South–South Technology Opportunities
Delivering the opening address, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai; Board Director, World Trade Centers Association (WTCA); and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), said there is scope for greater South–South cooperation in digital technologies, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, healthcare, clean technology, agriculture, manufacturing and other emerging technologies.
“The Global South is emerging as an important centre of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. India has a significant role to play in building stronger technology and business partnerships with countries across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and other emerging markets. Our focus must be on converting innovation into commercially viable products and connecting these products with global markets”, said Dr. Vijay Kalantri.
He also noted that solutions developed successfully in India could find applications in other Global South markets if appropriate frameworks are established.
Roundtable Examines India and Global South Technology Linkages
Setting the context for the discussion, Shri Rakesh Dubey, Chief Innovation Officer, STPI NEXT & Director, STPI-HQ, New Delhi, spoke on “India & the Global South Technology Opportunity.” His session highlighted potential areas for stronger technology, innovation and commercial partnerships between India and other emerging economies.
Ms. Rekha Jain, UNIDO National Programme Coordinator, addressed opportunities related to technology and innovation across the Global South. Mr. Abdul Dewale Mohammed (ADM), Founder & Group Executive President, AASGON & GSEF, UK, discussed India–Africa knowledge, innovation and market linkages.
Dr. Bhushan Singh, Director, Export-Import Bank of Trinidad & Tobago, highlighted financing mechanisms for cross-border technology ventures.
Speakers Discuss Market Entry and International Partnerships
Ms. Busola Perez-Folayan, Head, Innovation Hub, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), discussed market-entry opportunities and partnerships in Africa. Ms. Carolina Quintana, Director for Asia Pacific, World Trade Point Federation (WTPF), shared perspectives on international market access and global ecosystem linkages.
The programme also featured Mr. Cristhian Salamanca, CEO, Conexiones B2B, Colombia, who discussed B2B market access and international customer connections, and Mr. Hassan Elmiligui, Chief Operations Officer, ESLSCA University/Pyramids, Egypt, who spoke about technology and entrepreneurship opportunities in Egypt and the wider region.
Mr. Jens Bache, Principal, Denmark Relations & Operations, Indo-Danish Business Council, addressed India–Europe business collaboration and market-entry pathways.
Regional Perspectives from Africa and Southeast Asia
Perspectives from Africa and Southeast Asia were presented by Ms. Yvonne Botchey, Managing Director, World Trade Center Accra, Ghana, who highlighted opportunities in Ghana and West Africa for Indian technology enterprises.
Mr. Peter Yap, Managing Director, World Trade Center Yangon, Myanmar, discussed Myanmar's market potential and opportunities for India–Myanmar collaboration.
Eng. Diego Bravar, Founder and President, Biovalley Investments Partner SpA, Trieste, also participated in the international deliberations.
NRDC Highlights Technology Commercialisation Mechanisms
Speaking on India–Global South collaboration opportunities, Dr. Bijay Kumar Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head – Outreach Office, National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), outlined practical mechanisms for strengthening technology partnerships, institutional cooperation, market access and commercialisation between India and Global South economies.
A key part of the programme was the Global South Market Perspectives session, which brought together international experts and business leaders to discuss technology opportunities and market-entry pathways across different regions.
Interactive Discussion Concludes Roundtable
The roundtable concluded with an interactive open-floor discussion involving participating institutions, startups, investors and industry representatives. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange market insights and identify potential areas for future collaboration.
S. R. Patra, Additional Director, STPI Bhubaneswar, delivered the closing remarks and Vote of Thanks.
The discussions highlighted areas where emerging economies can explore greater cooperation in technology, innovation, financing, commercialisation and international market access.