Thiruvananthapuram: Taking forward the strategy of hi-tech transformation as a strong pillar of Kerala’s new industrial policy, Minister for Industries, Shri P Rajeeve, today launched the Framework for Hi-Tech Manufacturing, firming up the state’s standing as a smart manufacturing and allied services hub.
The framework seeks to position Kerala as a centre for advanced R&D, design & engineering, testing, inspection, and certification services within the manufacturing sector, he said while inaugurating the initiative. “We have a talent pool that can contribute to Global Capability Centres (GCC) and Global Technology Centres (GTC), especially in areas like design, R&D and Technology-based digital marketing,” he said.
Transformative policies initiated by the Kerala Government have set off a reverse migration trend with more than 40000 professionals working in different parts of the world joining Kerala-based companies, as per the figures available till August 2025, revealed by LinkedIn, the Minister noted.
In the context of the prevailing geopolitical situation, not only professionals but even companies will be forced to move their production units to more affordable regions to cut down costs, which makes Kerala an ideal place with a highly skilled talent pool, R&D institutes and the hi-tech manufacturing framework in place, said Shri Rajeeve.
The Hi-tech Manufacturing Framework will serve as a guide to identify high-value-added activities that significantly contribute to sectoral transition and the advancement of the knowledge economy. It also aims to stimulate R&D growth by leveraging the existing ecosystem to foster the growth of the research and development industry among SMEs and MNCs.
Promoting digital adoption by encouraging local companies to become global competitors by adopting digital technologies and integrating emerging technological innovations, establishing collaborative platforms, and expanding partnership models are its key objectives.
Principal Secretary, Industries, A P M Mohamed Hanish; Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) Managing Director, Vishnuraj P; KSIDC Executive Director, Harikrishnan R were present.