I have been privileged to share research findings and insights at various international conferences, seminars, and symposia. These platforms have provided valuable opportunities to engage with global scholars and contribute to academic discourse on Indian multinationals and outward FDI, south-south investments, R&D, Exports and international business.
1. India’s Emerging Multinationals in Developed Region
Event: International Conference on Emerging Economies’ Multinationals: Global Challengers?
Organized by: French Centre for Research on Contemporary China, Hong Kong and SciencesPo Paris
Location: Beijing, China
Date: November 27-28, 2008
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Overview:
The presentation analyzed the growth and impact of Indian multinational enterprises (MNEs) in developed markets. It examined their evolution from the 1960s through the 2000s, exploring investment patterns, strategic motivations, and economic implications for host countries. The research highlighted how Indian firms have transformed from regional players to global competitors, particularly in sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Key Contributions:
- Tracked the historical evolution of Indian MNEs’ overseas investments
- Analyzed sectoral preferences and regional distribution patterns
- Evaluated competitive positioning against global peers
- Assessed development implications for host developed countries
These engagements represent significant discussions and insights shared at various global forums on Indian multinationals and outward FDI.
2. Emerging Multinationals from India and China: Origin, Impetus and Growth
Event: Hosei University ICES International Conference on International competitiveness, globalization and multinationalization of firms: a comparison of China and India
Organized by: ICES, Hosei University
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: November 14, 2009
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Overview:
The presentation provided a comprehensive comparative analysis of the evolution and characteristics of emerging multinationals from India and China. It examined their growth trajectories, investment patterns, and strategic motivations from the 1950s through the 2000s, offering insights into how these firms have shaped the global business landscape.
Key Contributions:
- Traced the historical evolution of Indian and Chinese outward FDI from their origins in the 1950s-60s
- Analyzed the contrasting ownership patterns – private sector-led Indian OFDI versus state-owned Chinese enterprises
- Examined the impact of policy reforms and economic liberalization on OFDI growth
- Provided empirical analysis of locational determinants of OFDI from both countries
- Compared characteristics of leading Indian and Chinese multinational enterprises
3. Indian Direct Investment in Developed Region
Event: CBS Conference on Emerging Multinationals: Outward Foreign Direct Investment from Emerging and Developing Economies
Organized by: Copenhagen Business School
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Date: October 9-10, 2008
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Additional Role: Chaired Technical Session 4A: Latin America & EMNCs on October 10, 2008
Overview:
The presentation analyzed the evolution and characteristics of Indian outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) in developed economies. The research traced the transformation from early investments in the 1960s to the dramatic growth and changing patterns in the 2000s, examining sectoral preferences, ownership choices, and implications for host economies.
Key Contributions:
- Documented the historical growth of Indian OFDI from $32 million in 1961-69 to over $17 billion by 2007
- Analyzed regional distribution patterns showing EU’s dominance (76%) followed by North America (19%)
- Examined sectoral composition highlighting the shift from services to manufacturing dominance
- Investigated ownership preferences showing strong inclination (78%) toward wholly-owned subsidiaries
- Assessed implications for host developed countries including technology transfer and consumer welfare effects
- Identified drivers of OFDI growth in different periods and their policy implications
This presentation was particularly significant as it provided one of the first comprehensive analyses of Indian multinationals’ growing presence in developed markets during a period of rapid transformation in global investment patterns.
4. Developing Home Country Perspectives on Southern Investment
Event: UNCTAD Expert Meeting on the Developmental Implications of South-South FDI: Investment Strategies and the Impact on Home and Host Countries
Organized by: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Date: December 17-18, 2007
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Overview:
The presentation examined the evolving perspectives of developing home countries on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), analyzing how these views transformed from the 1970s through the 2000s. It traced the shift from seeing OFDI as a tool for South-South cooperation to viewing it as a means of enhancing global competitiveness.
Key Contributions:
- Analyzed the changing motivations behind developing country OFDI policies over different periods
- Documented the evolution from cooperative development focus in 1970s-80s to competitive market-driven approach in 1990s onwards
- Examined case studies from India, China, Korea, and Singapore showing shifts in ownership preferences
- Assessed key concerns of developing home countries regarding OFDI including foreign exchange, trade impacts, and domestic employment
- Provided empirical evidence of policy changes through analysis of investment guidelines and official statements
The presentation was significant as part of a larger expert discussion on understanding the developmental implications of South-South investment flows during a period of rapidly evolving global investment patterns.
5. Promoting South-South Technology Transfers via SME FDI
Events:
- UNCTAD Seminar on World Investment Report 2011
Date: February 15, 2011 - UNCTAD Single-year Expert Meeting on the Contribution of Foreign Direct Investment to the Transfer and Diffusion of Technology and Know-how for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries
Date: February 16-18, 2011
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
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Overview:
The presentation examined the role of SMEs in promoting South-South technology transfers through FDI, analyzing both the potential and challenges of leveraging smaller firms for sustainable development. The research explored how developing country SMEs, particularly from countries like India, could contribute to technology diffusion while expanding their international presence.
Key Contributions:
- Analyzed the growth and advantages of Southern FDI, documenting its expansion from $348 million in the 1970s to over $170 billion in the early 2000s
- Identified unique advantages of Southern FDI over Northern FDI in technology transfer to developing countries
- Highlighted the untapped potential of SMEs in South-South investment, noting their strong competitive position in various sectors
- Proposed policy frameworks for both home and host countries to promote SME-led FDI
- Recommended specific measures to support SME internationalization, including R&D incentives, technical training, and facilitative infrastructure
The presentation was particularly significant as it addressed key policy concerns around promoting sustainable development through SME-driven technology transfer between developing nations.
International Conferences in India
6. Regional Determinants of New SME Formation in India
Event: International Conference on Issues in Regional Development
Organized by: University of Burdwan
Location: Burdwan, India
Date: September 15-16, 2015
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Overview:
The presentation examined the spatial patterns and determinants of new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) formation across Indian states from 1980-2007, with particular focus on how regional characteristics shape entrepreneurial activities. Using unit-level data from the 4th All India Census of MSMEs, the study provided one of the first comprehensive analyses of regional variations in SME startup patterns in India.
Key Contributions:
- Documented the rise in SME formation rates across Indian regions while noting slowing growth trends after the 1990s
- Revealed significant spatial concentration with South, West and North India accounting for over 76% of new SMEs
- Identified key regional determinants including market size, technological capabilities, skills availability, and urban agglomeration
- Found that states with larger markets, greater technological knowledge stock, and higher skilled workforce showed higher SME entry rates
- Demonstrated that infrastructure availability and commercial credit had unexpected negative effects on new SME formation
The study was significant for providing empirical evidence on how regional factors influence entrepreneurship patterns, with important implications for state-level policies aimed at promoting SME formation and addressing regional development disparities in India.
7. The Geography of Patenting in India: Patterns and Determinants
Event: VIII Annual International Conference of the Forum for Global Knowledge Sharing
Organized by: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Location: Mumbai, India
Date: October 25-27, 2013
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Overview:
The presentation examined the spatial patterns and determinants of patent activity across Indian states, analyzing how regional factors influence innovation outcomes. The research provided one of the first comprehensive analyses of inter-state disparities in patenting activities in India, covering the period 1995-2010.
Key Contributions:
- Documented dramatic shifts in regional patenting patterns after India’s 2005 patent regime change
- Analyzed how West and South India emerged as dominant regions, together accounting for 68% of patents by 2005-10
- Revealed high spatial concentration with five states accounting for 75-79% of all patent applications
- Identified key determinants of regional patent activity including skilled labor, knowledge institutions, and market size
- Developed policy recommendations for strengthening regional innovation ecosystems
The study was significant as it moved beyond traditional national-level analysis to understand how local factors and policies shape technological development across India’s diverse regions. The findings highlighted the need to integrate technology policies with broader state-level initiatives in education, institution-building, and urban development.
8. Exports by Indian Manufacturing SMEs: Regional Patterns and Determinants
Event: VII Annual International Conference of Forum for Global Knowledge Sharing
Organized by: Forum for Global Knowledge Sharing
Location: Pune, India
Date: November 30 – December 2, 2012
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Overview: The presentation examined the export behavior of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Indian states, analyzing how regional factors influence their internationalization. The research provided one of the first comprehensive empirical investigations of inter-state patterns and determinants of SME manufacturing exports in India, covering the period 1991-2008.
Key Contributions:
- Documented how SME exports remained modest at 7-8.8% of organized manufacturing exports, with substantial regional concentration
- Analyzed how South India emerged as the dominant region accounting for 50% of SME exports by 2000-08, followed by West India at 32%
- Revealed high spatial concentration with three states (Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi) contributing 74% of total SME exports
- Identified critical determinants of regional SME exports including local market conditions, infrastructure, institutional support and foreign firm presence
- Found SMEs relied predominantly on imported technologies rather than in-house R&D for export competitiveness
- Developed policy recommendations for strengthening regional SME ecosystems for exports
- Demonstrated the need to integrate SME export promotion with state-level initiatives in infrastructure, credit access, and capability building
The study was significant as it moved beyond traditional firm-level analysis to understand how local factors and policies shape SME export performance across India’s diverse regions. The findings highlighted the need for state-specific approaches to enhance SME competitiveness in international markets.
9. Regional Heterogeneity and Firms’ Innovation: The Role of Regional Factors in Industrial R&D in India
Event: International Seminar on The Globalization of Production Models and Innovation in Emerging Economies
Organized by: ISID-Centre de Sciences Humaines-Centre for Research on Contemporary China
Location: New Delhi, India
Date: November 19-20, 2010
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Overview: The presentation examined the spatial patterns and determinants of industrial R&D across Indian states during 1991-2008. The research provided one of the first comprehensive analyses of how regional factors influence firms’ innovative activities, exploring why R&D performance varies significantly across sub-national geographies in India.
Key Contributions:
- Documented that manufacturing R&D in India is highly concentrated geographically, with West India (36.5%), North India (24.5%) and South India (22.8%) accounting for 84% of national R&D investment in 1991-99
- Analyzed how just five states (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka) contributed over 58% of manufacturing R&D
- Revealed increasing regional concentration over time, with the top three regions’ share rising to 86% by 2000-08
- Identified critical regional determinants including per capita income, S&T institutions, telecommunications infrastructure and presence of foreign firms
- Demonstrated that regional factors significantly influence R&D performance even after controlling for firm-level and sectoral characteristics
- Generated policy implications for promoting regional innovation ecosystems through infrastructure development, institutional strengthening and industrial clustering
- Found that fiscal incentives had limited impact on enhancing firms’ R&D intensity
The study was significant as it established the importance of regional heterogeneity in shaping industrial innovation in India, highlighting the need for state-specific approaches to building technological capabilities. The findings emphasized how local factors and policies critically determine firms’ R&D performance.
10. Firm Performance during Global Economic Slowdown: A View from India
Event: International Conference on Issues in Finance and Economic Development in Developing Countries during Globalization Era
Organized by: Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi
Location: Delhi, India
Date: November 6-7, 2009
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Overview: The presentation examined how Indian firms performed during the 2008-09 global economic slowdown compared to the pre-crisis period of 2005-08. Using a sample of 450 Indian manufacturing and IT firms, the research provided one of the first comprehensive analyses of how different types of firms and sectors were impacted by the crisis and how they adjusted their strategic allocations.
Key Contributions:
- Documented dramatic decline in firm performance with sales growth falling from 28.2% pre-crisis to just 0.6% during slowdown
- Analyzed how profit growth turned sharply negative at -21% during crisis compared to +40% growth pre-crisis
- Revealed significant heterogeneity in firm responses with only 10% maintaining sales growth while 54% saw negative growth
- Identified that younger firms and those with higher export orientation showed better resilience during the slowdown
- Demonstrated major cutbacks in corporate allocations with R&D spending falling 45% and technology purchases declining 59%
- Found high-tech sectors maintained R&D investments while low-tech sectors drastically reduced innovation spending
- Showed widespread reduction in advertising budgets and wage shares across most sectors
- Generated policy implications for supporting firm resilience and innovation during economic crises
The study was significant as it provided early empirical evidence on how Indian firms adjusted their strategies and resource allocations to cope with a major global economic shock, highlighting the need for sector-specific policy responses.
11. Outward FDI and Knowledge Flows: A Study of the Indian Automotive Sector
Event: Third Annual International Conference of the Forum for Global Knowledge Sharing on Globalization of Knowledge Development and Delivery
Organized by: Forum for Global Knowledge Sharing and Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID)
Location: New Delhi, India
Date: October 17-18, 2008
Overview: The research examined how outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) by Indian automotive firms facilitates cross-border knowledge flows between home and host countries. Using case studies of major automotive groups like Tata and Amtek, along with econometric analysis of 436 firms during 1988-2008, the study provided one of the first comprehensive analyses of how OFDI enables technological learning and capability building in India’s automotive sector.
Key Contributions:
- Documented bidirectional knowledge flows with India gaining access to global R&D facilities, advanced technologies and market knowledge through OFDI while transferring low-cost engineering capabilities to host countries
- Analyzed how strategic acquisitions like Jaguar Land Rover provided Tata Motors access to iconic brands, intellectual property and advanced engineering centers
- Demonstrated that OFDI positively impacts R&D intensity of Indian automotive firms through knowledge spillovers and learning from overseas operations
- Revealed that both greenfield investments and acquisitions in developed markets help Indian firms access technology clusters and innovation networks
- Found that joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries serve as effective channels for knowledge flows back to Indian operations
- Generated policy implications for facilitating strategic asset-seeking OFDI to enhance domestic technological capabilities
- Highlighted need for collaborative platforms between vehicle and component manufacturers to maximize OFDI benefits
The study was significant as it established OFDI as an important channel for upgrading technological capabilities of emerging market firms, providing evidence for knowledge flows through both greenfield investments and strategic acquisitions.
12. National Innovation System and Emergence of Indian Information and Software Technology Multinationals
Event: International Conference on Globalization of Chinese and Indian Enterprises
Organized by: Global Knowledge Forum
Location: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India
Date: November 2-3, 2007
Overview: The presentation examined how India’s National Innovation System (NIS) contributed to the rise of Indian Information and Software Technology (IST) multinationals, analyzing their growth patterns, characteristics, and international expansion through outward foreign direct investment (OFDI).
Key Contributions:
- Documented the evolution of India’s IST sector through three distinct phases (1955-1978, 1979-1990, and 1991 onwards), highlighting the role of government policies, institutions, and private sector initiatives
- Analyzed data on 161 IST multinationals with 661 overseas entities, revealing their geographical distribution and ownership patterns
- Presented detailed case studies of two leading firms – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCL Technologies
- Demonstrated that Indian IST multinationals prefer developed markets (68.8% of overseas subsidiaries) with USA and UK as primary destinations
- Found that successful IST multinationals are characterized by:
- Strong preference for complete ownership control of overseas subsidiaries
- High concentration among top firms (36% of firms account for 72.6% of overseas affiliates)
- Significant foreign operations (overseas subsidiaries account for 40-57% of global sales)
Key Implications:
- For Developing Countries: Need to establish engineering institutions, develop infrastructure, and adopt liberal policies toward foreign software enterprises
- For India: Focus on addressing skill constraints and infrastructure limitations
- For Indian IST Firms: Importance of OFDI in developing successful offshore-onshore service delivery models
The study was significant for understanding how national innovation systems can foster the growth of knowledge-intensive multinational enterprises from emerging economies.
13. Overseas Acquisition versus Greenfield Foreign Investment: Which Internationalization Strategy is better for Indian Pharmaceutical Enterprises?
Event: GLOBELICS (Global Network for Economics of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems) Conference 2006
Organized by: GLOBELICS Network
Location: Trivandrum, India
Date: October 4-7, 2006
Role: Paper Presenter and Discussant in FDI: Spillovers and Competitiveness session
Overview: The presentation examined the relative effectiveness of greenfield investments versus overseas acquisitions as internationalization strategies for Indian pharmaceutical companies, analyzing their evolution since the 1990s through the lens of competitive advantages and value creation.
Key Contributions:
- Documented the four stages of internationalization of Indian pharmaceutical industry from 1947 to present, showing evolution from MNC domination to emergence of globally competitive domestic firms
- Analyzed competitive dimensions of both greenfield and brownfield (acquisition) FDI strategies
- Demonstrated through theoretical framework that overseas acquisitions offer more strategic benefits than greenfield investments
- Presented detailed case study of Ranbaxy’s internationalization experience through three major acquisitions (Ohm Laboratories, Basics GmbH, RPG Aventis)
Key Findings:
- Brownfield investments (acquisitions) provide multiple simultaneous benefits:
- Access to established marketing networks
- Addition of new products and strategic assets
- Instant market presence
- Operating synergies
- Greenfield investments have limited scope for exploiting ownership advantages but are useful for building trade-supporting networks
Policy Implications:
- Government intervention crucial for developing domestic pharmaceutical capabilities
- Policy framework should favor overseas acquisitions over greenfield investments
- Need for support systems including consultancy services, cheap credit, and management training
- Importance of tracking economic performance of overseas acquisitions
The study was significant for providing evidence-based policy recommendations to support the internationalization of Indian pharmaceutical companies through overseas acquisitions rather than greenfield investments.