ICEMA: Laying the Foundation for a Transformative Future
ICEMA’s CE Technology Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to identify key challenges in the development and adoption of advanced in-house technologies.
“The Technology Vision Roadmap developed by the Construction Equipment industry will enable development and adoption of advanced in-house technologies, which will not only help in making the Indian CE industry as a global export hub for construction equipment, but also reduce dependence on imports,” said Shri Vijay Mittal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, during his inaugural address at the 1st ICEMA CE Technology Summit in New Delhi, organized by the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA is an affiliated body of CII).
The CE Technology Summit, themed around ‘Being Future Ready – Technology, Innovation, Sustainability’, was a continuation of the recent launch of the CE Technology Vision Roadmap 2035 by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister, MoRTH. The Summit was well-attended by representatives of stakeholders, including government body representatives, OEMs, service and solution providers, and end-users of Construction, Earthmoving, Material Handling and Mining (CEMM) equipment.
Hailing the role of the Technology Vision Roadmap in facilitating innovations and advancement across the board, Shri Mittal added, “Technology, to be successful in bringing about transformation in the construction industry, needs to be evolved by us, rather than transferred or purchased. In fact, the processes and technological development resulting from adoption of the Roadmap can also be customised to enable advancement across other industries.”
Discussions were held on key focus areas of the Technology Vision Roadmap, such as Jobsite Safety, Jobsite Solutions, Sustainability in Construction Equipment Industry, etc. Challenges were identified in adopting innovations and new technologies by manufacturers, service providers, and by end-users.
Underscoring the importance of jobsite safety and efficiency, discussions focused on establishing norms and regulations to ensure the safety of off-road segments, including operators and equipment while boosting productivity and championing sustainability in operations. President ICEMA and Managing Director, Caterpillar India, stated, “We need to focus on the Technology Vision Roadmap, with safety at the forefront, and embrace sustainability to create a better world for future generations. We must promote adoption of cutting-edge technology, innovation and sustainability.”
Construction Equipment (CE), which accounts for approximately 20–30% of the investment in a typical infrastructure development project, is a critical enabler in infrastructure development, which helps connect the remotest corners of the country bringing them in to the mainstream of economic growth.
Commenting on the importance of integration of the latest technologies, especially in view of the significant role of construction equipment in India’s growth story, V. Vivekanand, said, “We, in the CE industry wish to measure our success, not only in terms of growth and profits, but also in terms of the tangible benefits that we bring to the table. For this, the industry needs to think in terms of safe, smart, and sustainable solutions as we move forward, to build a better tomorrow.”
The proceedings of the Summit generated consensus on the view that effective innovation and adoption of advanced technologies by the CE industry needs to be facilitated by the convergence of OEMs, service providers and end-users, within the framework of a robust ecosystem supported by suitable policies. Experts also outlined sustainability strategies at the summit that balance progress and preservation, emphasizing ICEMA's pivotal role in infrastructure development.
“The Indian CE industry’s aspiration of becoming the world’s second largest, as well as the fastest growing global manufacturing and export hub, will essentially be driven by adoption of cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the innovation curve,” said Dimitrov Krishnan, Convener, ICEMA Technology & Sustainability Panel and Managing Director, Volvo CE India, in his welcome address.
He emphasized the industry’s vital role in building infrastructure that connects communities, drives economic growth, and shapes the future. “The decisions we make, the innovations we adopt and the roadmap we craft today will echo through the years, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Like the automotive industry, the construction equipment industry is in the middle of a transformative shift, moving from diesel to future automotive fuels and electric power. Together, we have the power to redefine industry norms and establish higher standards, ensuring that the industry thrives in a rapidly changing world while safeguarding the well-being of our workers, the efficiency of our processes, and the sustainability of our planet."
Government representatives present expounded upon the policy aspect of the matters under discussion and shared views on the imperative for inter-industry collaborations and adequate skilling in tandem with technological innovations and adaptations.
“The role that CE industry plays in nation building, by facilitating creation of world-class infrastructure using advanced technologies, in both civilian and defence sectors, often does not get the appreciation that it deserves,” emphasised Deepak Shetty, President Designate, CEO & Managing Director, JCB India, as he proposed the Vote of Thanks in the inaugural session. “Significant investments have been made in the CE industry in recent years, not only in capacity augmentation, but also in adoption of alternate fuels, digital technologies, product efficiency and safety,” he added.
Touching upon the role of ICEMA, Vivekanand added, “In view of the significance of the Indian CE industry in facilitating and catalysing economic growth, ICEMA continuously engages with stakeholders, including OEMs, policy makers, traders and financial institutions, to engender consensus on critical issues, devise innovative solutions, and create an enabling environment for our industry.”
PwC, the knowledge partner of the Summit, emphasized the relevance of CE industry in India’s economic growth as well as the importance of cutting-edge technology for the industry. Said Yogesh Thakar, Director PwC, “The right incentives from the government, along with a supportive policy framework, is essential to encourage adoption of new technologies by the CE industry.”
Sudhendhu Jyoti Sinha, Adviser, NITI Aayog, while expressing his views on adoption of technologies by CE industry to promote greater sustainability, said, “For CE industry to not only manufacture for the growing domestic market, but to be the best globally, there need to be stringent standards of quality as well as sustainability.”
“ICEMA has been promoting the cause of harnessing technology to bring about greater sustainability in the CE industry through alternate fuels, alternate materials and circularity,” said Krishnan.
A well-defined technology roadmap will not only boost the CE industry’s global competitiveness, but will also help address global challenges, making it an indispensable tool for the construction equipment industry's growth and evolution. In this context, ICEMA 1st CE Technological Summit provided a platform for deliberations and discussions around the key focus areas of the Technology Vision Roadmap and facilitated stakeholder consultations and collaborations for synergetic growth of the Indian CE industry.
“The Technology Vision Roadmap developed by the Construction Equipment industry will enable development and adoption of advanced in-house technologies, which will not only help in making the Indian CE industry as a global export hub for construction equipment, but also reduce dependence on imports,” said Shri Vijay Mittal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, during his inaugural address at the 1st ICEMA CE Technology Summit in New Delhi, organized by the Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association (ICEMA is an affiliated body of CII).
The CE Technology Summit, themed around ‘Being Future Ready – Technology, Innovation, Sustainability’, was a continuation of the recent launch of the CE Technology Vision Roadmap 2035 by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister, MoRTH. The Summit was well-attended by representatives of stakeholders, including government body representatives, OEMs, service and solution providers, and end-users of Construction, Earthmoving, Material Handling and Mining (CEMM) equipment.
Hailing the role of the Technology Vision Roadmap in facilitating innovations and advancement across the board, Shri Mittal added, “Technology, to be successful in bringing about transformation in the construction industry, needs to be evolved by us, rather than transferred or purchased. In fact, the processes and technological development resulting from adoption of the Roadmap can also be customised to enable advancement across other industries.”
Discussions were held on key focus areas of the Technology Vision Roadmap, such as Jobsite Safety, Jobsite Solutions, Sustainability in Construction Equipment Industry, etc. Challenges were identified in adopting innovations and new technologies by manufacturers, service providers, and by end-users.
Underscoring the importance of jobsite safety and efficiency, discussions focused on establishing norms and regulations to ensure the safety of off-road segments, including operators and equipment while boosting productivity and championing sustainability in operations. President ICEMA and Managing Director, Caterpillar India, stated, “We need to focus on the Technology Vision Roadmap, with safety at the forefront, and embrace sustainability to create a better world for future generations. We must promote adoption of cutting-edge technology, innovation and sustainability.”
Construction Equipment (CE), which accounts for approximately 20–30% of the investment in a typical infrastructure development project, is a critical enabler in infrastructure development, which helps connect the remotest corners of the country bringing them in to the mainstream of economic growth.
Commenting on the importance of integration of the latest technologies, especially in view of the significant role of construction equipment in India’s growth story, V. Vivekanand, said, “We, in the CE industry wish to measure our success, not only in terms of growth and profits, but also in terms of the tangible benefits that we bring to the table. For this, the industry needs to think in terms of safe, smart, and sustainable solutions as we move forward, to build a better tomorrow.”
The proceedings of the Summit generated consensus on the view that effective innovation and adoption of advanced technologies by the CE industry needs to be facilitated by the convergence of OEMs, service providers and end-users, within the framework of a robust ecosystem supported by suitable policies. Experts also outlined sustainability strategies at the summit that balance progress and preservation, emphasizing ICEMA's pivotal role in infrastructure development.
“The Indian CE industry’s aspiration of becoming the world’s second largest, as well as the fastest growing global manufacturing and export hub, will essentially be driven by adoption of cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the innovation curve,” said Dimitrov Krishnan, Convener, ICEMA Technology & Sustainability Panel and Managing Director, Volvo CE India, in his welcome address.
He emphasized the industry’s vital role in building infrastructure that connects communities, drives economic growth, and shapes the future. “The decisions we make, the innovations we adopt and the roadmap we craft today will echo through the years, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. Like the automotive industry, the construction equipment industry is in the middle of a transformative shift, moving from diesel to future automotive fuels and electric power. Together, we have the power to redefine industry norms and establish higher standards, ensuring that the industry thrives in a rapidly changing world while safeguarding the well-being of our workers, the efficiency of our processes, and the sustainability of our planet."
Government representatives present expounded upon the policy aspect of the matters under discussion and shared views on the imperative for inter-industry collaborations and adequate skilling in tandem with technological innovations and adaptations.
“The role that CE industry plays in nation building, by facilitating creation of world-class infrastructure using advanced technologies, in both civilian and defence sectors, often does not get the appreciation that it deserves,” emphasised Deepak Shetty, President Designate, CEO & Managing Director, JCB India, as he proposed the Vote of Thanks in the inaugural session. “Significant investments have been made in the CE industry in recent years, not only in capacity augmentation, but also in adoption of alternate fuels, digital technologies, product efficiency and safety,” he added.
Touching upon the role of ICEMA, Vivekanand added, “In view of the significance of the Indian CE industry in facilitating and catalysing economic growth, ICEMA continuously engages with stakeholders, including OEMs, policy makers, traders and financial institutions, to engender consensus on critical issues, devise innovative solutions, and create an enabling environment for our industry.”
PwC, the knowledge partner of the Summit, emphasized the relevance of CE industry in India’s economic growth as well as the importance of cutting-edge technology for the industry. Said Yogesh Thakar, Director PwC, “The right incentives from the government, along with a supportive policy framework, is essential to encourage adoption of new technologies by the CE industry.”
Sudhendhu Jyoti Sinha, Adviser, NITI Aayog, while expressing his views on adoption of technologies by CE industry to promote greater sustainability, said, “For CE industry to not only manufacture for the growing domestic market, but to be the best globally, there need to be stringent standards of quality as well as sustainability.”
“ICEMA has been promoting the cause of harnessing technology to bring about greater sustainability in the CE industry through alternate fuels, alternate materials and circularity,” said Krishnan.
A well-defined technology roadmap will not only boost the CE industry’s global competitiveness, but will also help address global challenges, making it an indispensable tool for the construction equipment industry's growth and evolution. In this context, ICEMA 1st CE Technological Summit provided a platform for deliberations and discussions around the key focus areas of the Technology Vision Roadmap and facilitated stakeholder consultations and collaborations for synergetic growth of the Indian CE industry.
NBM&CW November 2023
