Indian IT: Re-inventing itself for the next 25 years

Shiv Nadar, Founder, HCL, talks about the importance of embracing emerging technologies, the role of people and culture and how strong partnerships form a fundamental part of success.

One of the first interviews I did with Dataquest was in 1986, liberalization was around the corner and we were talking about technology basics like data processing, instant banking on a national and international scale, modernization of railway booking systems and use of tech for inventory and word processing. Looking back over the past five decades, India’s technology industry has undergone remarkable growth and transformation. Ideas that were considered futuristic and out of reach have now not only become a reality, but we have raced past to embrace revolutionary innovation

In a 1995 conversation with Dataquest, so much had changed in India and the possibilities were endless. We were talking about hardware, software services, office automation, skill training and more. The Indian tech industry had grown to unforeseen heights and we were on the precipice of becoming a world-class organization, competing in the big leagues. HCL embarked on creative endeavors, unafraid of experimentation—a philosophy that remains deeply ingrained in our company ethos.

As it was in the past, even today the significant growth experienced by the IT sector has fueled India’s overall development. Recognizing new opportunities and identifying fading trends are crucial aspects to staying on top of the game. At HCL, we have made a deliberate choice to focus on core areas and prioritize our commitment to the organization, to enable consistent growth.

Based on experience, there is no doubt that agility to move between various avatars such as joint ventures, partnerships, new lines of business and new portfolios is also a necessary strength. Our willingness to constantly reinvent ourselves and explore new endeavors from software to IT consulting, I think, has been a key factor in our success. Change will remain constant in the Indian IT industry, making some key areas of focus crucial:

Embracing emerging technologies: It is always important to stay ahead of the game, this means Indian IT companies need to embrace emerging technologies and invest in research and development to foster innovation. By being open to experimentation, risk-taking, and new technologies, there is no doubt that innovative solutions to complex business and social problems will emerge. It will also be important to increase India’s spend on R&D to support continuous innovation and developing of large-scale products.

Intellectual Property (IP) is critical in technology, with tech companies investing time and funds to develop complex solutions for clients, I believe this should be a priority. Silicon Valley generates numerous IPs, it is an opportune time for India to prioritize this area. Along the same lines, we at HCL have expanded our focus through HCLSoftware. We are focused on developing exciting offerings in digital transformation, data analytics, AI, enterprise security, and more. Organizations should consider agility and innovation as vital in the ever-evolving technology world.

People and culture: Without a doubt, putting people first should be central to any organization. Be it the team or the customers, understanding their perspective is the first step in the right direction. Our philosophy is to get the right people and offer them the tools and space to thrive. For example, our TechBee program, which allows grade 12 students to enter the workforce while receiving training, reflects this belief. I believe that empowering young individuals and fostering job readiness will create a strong foundation for future growth.

Partnerships: Strong partnerships are fundamental to any successful business and should be a strong part of any organization’s thought process. From my perspective, building deep relationships with customers and working in sync with them should be a priority. At HCL, we have prioritized customer needs and personalized experiences, forming effective partnerships with companies like Cisco, and the like. Technology and product development have always been our core focus, and keeping partnerships at the forefront has been our advantage.

All in all, technology forms the heart of HCL, and we fully exploit its potential. As we reflect on our journey, I feel that it is evident that innovation and continuous adaptation have been the constants amidst evolving revenue streams. The industry will continue to advance, with technology growing at exponential rates. The decisions we make today will shape the future of the sector and continue to usher in transformation.

Shiv Nadar

maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in