From Jugaad to Juggernaut: The Hidden Catalyst for India’s Industrial Operations Leap in 2025
India’s industrial sector is at a turning point—moving beyond "jugaad" (quick fixes) to establish long-term excellence. To achieve global leadership in 2025, industries must embrace digital transformation, operational reliability, and workforce upskilling while integrating sustainability as a core strategy. Only bold, systemic changes can propel India from an emerging powerhouse to a global juggernaut in industrial operations.
This article was originally published in BW Businessworld. For the full feature, visit their website.
Only by addressing systemic inefficiencies, embracing digital transformation, and fostering a culture of excellence can Indian industries leapfrog to global leadership
As we enter 2025, India's industrial sector stands at a critical juncture. The recent surge in industrial production, growing by 5.2% in November 2024, paints an optimistic picture of India Inc's ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse. However, this success may mask deeper challenges that demand immediate attention from our industrial leaders and policymakers.
The pace of transformation falls short of what's needed to achieve true global competitiveness, revealing a gap between aspiration and execution that requires urgent addressing. For too long, many have relied on "jugaad," a mindset rooted in temporary fixes and makeshift solutions. While jugaad reflects ingenuity, it is wholly inadequate for industries that seek operational excellence and global competitiveness.
To overcome this attitude that favours quick fixes and knee-jerk solutions, we must take actions that allow us to reach, and even set, the global standards for efficiency, innovation and reliability. This requires a shift in leadership mindset to have a clear vision, and persistent execution.
Reimagining Leadership: Elevating Efficiency through Excellence
Our executives must spearhead a paradigm shift from ad-hoc management and short-term focus to long-term excellence. For decades, cost efficiency has dominated operational strategies, often at the expense of long-term resilience and quality. This approach has created gaps in achieving operational excellence, which requires sustained commitment from leadership.
The shift requires moving beyond cost-cutting measures to strategic investments in technology, workforce development, sustainable practices and robust management systems, resulting in higher productivity.
Management Operating Systems (MOS) to lead and direct day-to-day operations often fall short, providing reports that may not reflect reality or highlight critical issues. Many organisations utilise MOS primarily for reporting rather than as a tool for driving meaningful change. To drive real transformation, MOS must align daily operations with long-term strategic goals, promote accountability across all levels, encourage cross-functional collaboration, and integrate meaningful Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
For instance, a leading automotive manufacturer improved production efficiency by 15% through effective MOS adaptation, showcasing its potential impact when implemented correctly.
By adopting these strategies and focusing on actionable insights rather than superficial compliance, organisations can achieve consistent performance and operational excellence. Ultimately, leadership must zealously encourage these frameworks and scale them across sectors to bring about systemic change.
Activating Operational Reliability as a Catalyst
Operational reliability is no longer a “good-to-have” but a critical driver of innovation and agility. In an interconnected industrial ecosystem, reliability ensures consistent performance, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to market demands and disruptions. But the current reactive practices and ‘plug-gap’ measures lead to frequent equipment failures, production downtimes, and inefficiencies in all industries.
Proactive measures on asset management such as reliability-focused predictive maintenance powered by IoT sensors and AI analytics are increasingly necessary. However, adoption remains uneven due to a lack of strategic leadership and genuine commitment to transformation. Industries that embrace these technologies not only reduce costs but also enhance their ability to innovate swiftly.
In the chemical, pharmaceutical, and metals sectors, where safety is paramount, the need to adopt predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring can prevent catastrophic incidents and reduce downtime. Reliability fosters trust
Reliability fosters trust among stakeholders and enhances the ability to innovate through advanced materials or digital tools. Companies that integrate reliability into their core operations are better equipped to compete globally.
Nurturing a Future-proof, Adaptable Talent Pipeline
Outdated practices persist due to workforce skill gaps. While initiatives like the Skill India Mission have made progress, they are insufficient for increasingly sophisticated operations. Upskilling efforts must focus on digital literacy, advanced manufacturing techniques, and sustainability.
Industries must rethink talent pipelines by forging stronger partnerships with academia and investing in continuous learning programs. A one-size-fits-all approach will not suffice; each sector must identify its unique challenges and opportunities.
For example, the pharmaceutical industry requires skilled workers in regulatory compliance due to stringent global standards. Similarly, the automotive sector's transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates specialised knowledge in battery technology.
From partnerships between academia and industry to embedding technologies like augmented reality (AR) for training simulations, we can elevate the skills needed in real-world applications. The time for bold action is now; prioritising robust workforce development as a strategic imperative will unlock India's full industrial potential.
Operationalising Sustainability as a Core Strategic Imperative
With power output rising by 4.4% in November 2024, the environmental implications of our industrial growth cannot be ignored. Sustainability must evolve from being a compliance checkbox to a core strategic priority. Leaders must champion the integration of renewable energy, circular economy principles, and green technologies across their operations.
Industries like cement and metals face mounting pressure to adopt cleaner technologies despite government incentives worth $2.2 billion for green initiatives. To thrive in global markets, industries must integrate renewable energy sources and improve waste management practices while embracing circular economy principles. This shift not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions these industries for long-term competitiveness in global markets.
The Path Forward
India’s journey from jugaad to juggernaut is at a critical inflection point. The stakes are high; only by addressing systemic inefficiencies, embracing digital transformation, and fostering a culture of excellence can Indian industries leapfrog to global leadership. Half-measures with incremental progress will not suffice.
The time for bold action is now. By prioritising reliability, innovation, and sustainability, India’s industrial sectors can secure their place on the world stage.
The future of India's industrial sector lies in the hands of its leaders. Will we rise to the occasion? The world is watching, our journey from jugaad to juggernaut is not just about meeting global standards – it's about setting them.
