Karnataka, Google join hands to boost innovation

Bangalore, India: When Lalitesh Katragadda, country head, Google (products) said, "we don't need to import innovation," he was referring to the pioneering spirit of India in general and Karnataka in particular.

On Tuesday, Karnataka State Innovation Council (KSInC) and Google announced the Innovation Karnataka project to drive the internet-driven innovations.

Professor H.P.Khincha, Chairman, KSInC said, "Karnataka has long been a pioneer in innovation and has driven India's incredible emergence as a world leader in technology and software. However, in these challenging economic times and a shaky global future, it is imperative that we stay ahead of the curve and consolidate our place as innovators. With this initiative and support from Google, we want to amplify the impact of Internet-driven innovation as more and more Indians come online."

Recognising the impact of their initiatives on the technology sphere, four 4 innovators from Karnataka- Kanaja, Sakala, mDhil and RedBus- were presented the innovator awards on the occasion.

The recent McKinsey study states that internet could potentially contribute up to USD 100 billion by 2015. That is the power of the internet that holds the potential for many business successes.

The "Innovation Karnataka" report has identified opportunities to foster a culture of innovation and is recognizing Karnataka's role models who are positively contributing to society and the economy.

Lalitesh Katragadda said: "At Google, we believe in the power of the web to help the next billion in India connect, learn and reach their true potential. This initiative is another step towards the same direction." He feels if people can get better access to Internet, nothing can stop the country from being a world leader.

Despite being a technology hub, Karnataka is not immune to challenges. Karnataka companies need laws and regulations that support innovation and get them ready for new challenges and opportunities.

Other essential points to ponder upon are:

1. Need for transparency

It has been found that clear laws and regulations providing intermediary liability protection are essential to attract investment in innovation. Intermediary liability ensures that intermediaries do not get sued for content that a third party posts online, just as a phone company is not liable for what is said over the lines, bloggers would not be liable for comments that others make.

2. Better broadband connectivity

Unleashing Karnataka's creative potential on the Internet requires the government to support improved access to broadband in all areas of the country and a more transparent and easily understandable regulatory regime for creation, distribution of digital content. Improved Internet access and IT infrastructure will lay the foundation for an innovative ecosystem.

3. SMEs are the backbone of economic growth, governments should take care to minimise barriers to launching innovative businesses. Companies, on the their part, need better knowledge transfer mechanisms to make full use of the technologies available today. Improving access to funding by allowing the Internet to play a key role will empower SMEs to become more competitive and expand beyond Karnataka.