AMA-OIA MSME Conclave 2026 Focuses on Smarter Manufacturing
AMA, OIA Conclave Calls on MSMEs to Focus on Smarter Manufacturing for India’s Growth
Small and medium businesses should improve the way they manufacture products by using technology, better planning and stronger partnerships instead of simply increasing production, speakers said at the AMA-OIA MSME Conclave 2026 held in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
The half-day event was organised by the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) in partnership with the Odhav Industries Association (OIA). The programme centred on three themes: innovation, collaboration and global expansion. During the event, the organisations also released the AMA-OIA Newsletter 2025-26, marking two years of cooperation between the management institution and the industrial association. The conclave was listed as an official AMA programme and was conducted at the Odhav Industries Association premises.
India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector plays a major role in the country’s economy. According to the Ministry of MSME, the sector contributes nearly one-third of India’s Gross Value Added, accounts for almost half of the country’s exports and provides employment to millions of people. With the government aiming to make India a developed nation by 2047, improving the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs has become an important national priority.
Opening the conclave, Mukesh Vekaria, President of OIA and Director of Jacktech Hydraulics, described the gathering as “not just a seminar, but a meeting of vision and growth.” He encouraged businesses in the Odhav industrial belt to adopt artificial intelligence, automation and digital manufacturing. He also said the long-term goal should be to develop Odhav into an innovation hub for manufacturing industries.
His remarks reflected a wider trend across Indian industry. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in digital tools that can improve production planning, monitor machines, reduce waste and maintain product quality. While large companies have adopted many of these technologies, smaller businesses often face challenges because of limited investment capacity and a shortage of trained workers.
In his theme address, Dr Jaimin Vasa, a member of the AMA Executive Committee and Promoter of the Dr Jaimin Vasa AMA-MSME Development Centre, said advances in artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 are changing the way factories operate. He said the objective is “not to produce more, but to produce smartly.”
Industry 4.0 refers to the use of connected machines, automation, sensors, data analysis and digital systems that allow manufacturers to improve efficiency while reducing costs and production delays. These technologies are increasingly being promoted across India’s manufacturing sector as businesses compete in both domestic and overseas markets.
The conclave’s first panel discussion examined ways to improve manufacturing competitiveness.
The session was moderated by Padmin Buch, a member of the AMA Executive Committee.
Prashant Gandhi, Co-founder and Partner at Siddhi Engineers, argued that Indian manufacturers should focus on developing products with stronger functional performance instead of depending on imported technologies. Building reliable indigenous products, he said, would strengthen the country’s manufacturing base over time.
Amit Saluja, Managing Partner at digiXLT Consulting LLP, pointed to another challenge facing many MSMEs. He said manufacturing units are currently operating at only 50 to 60 per cent capacity utilisation. Rather than investing only in additional automation, he urged businesses to improve digital systems and manufacturing processes so that existing facilities could be used more efficiently.
Industry experts have frequently identified low capacity utilisation as a concern because factories operating below their potential often face higher production costs and lower profitability. Better planning, demand forecasting and digital monitoring can help businesses increase output without major capital spending.
The second panel shifted attention to cooperation between industry, research organisations and educational institutions.
Dr Divyesh Ladva, Vice President of OIA and Chairman of Gatrad Aviation Technologies Pvt. Ltd., said companies should adopt risk-based analysis supported by continuous monitoring of operational data. Better use of information, he suggested, can help businesses identify problems before they become costly.
Tarachand Jain, Managing Director of Shri Navkar Metals Ltd., said MSMEs should make greater use of universities, technical institutes and research organisations. Such partnerships can help smaller companies gain access to new ideas, technical knowledge and skilled professionals without having to build those capabilities entirely on their own.
The final panel focused on export opportunities as India’s manufacturing sector expands its presence in global markets.
Jayesh Mistry, Director of Perfect Equipments Pvt. Ltd., said companies seeking international business must maintain clear communication, benchmark themselves against competitors and deliver consistent product quality.
Jayanth Murthy, Joint Managing Director for South Asia and Africa at Kaizen Institute, encouraged businesses to identify specific overseas markets, understand customer needs in greater detail and build long-term growth plans instead of chasing short-term gains.
These recommendations match the growing emphasis on export-led manufacturing in India. Government programmes such as Make in India, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and several export promotion initiatives encourage businesses to improve quality, productivity and international competitiveness.
The programme concluded with the valedictory address and vote of thanks delivered by Dr Shailesh Goyal, Chairman of the AMA Extension Services Committee and Founder-Director of Simulations Public Affairs Management Services Pvt. Ltd.
Although speakers discussed artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, exports and industrial partnerships from different perspectives, they shared a common conclusion. They said the greatest obstacle facing many MSMEs is not machinery, finance or technology, but the willingness to change established ways of working.
That message reflects a challenge seen across much of India’s manufacturing sector. While technology is becoming more accessible, successful adoption often depends on leadership, workforce training and the readiness of businesses to change long-standing practices. As India works towards its economic ambitions for 2047, industry experts believe these factors will play an important role in helping MSMEs remain competitive at home and abroad.
