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THE SEAT OF
KNOWLEDGE
THE HEART OF
TRANSFORMATION

Empowering MSMEs of North East India through Technology Intervention and Deployment of Industry 4.0 

19th – 20th December 2025

About the Theme

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of North East India’s economy, driving employment, regional development, and inclusive growth. Yet, they face persistent challenges such as limited access to technology, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted market reach.

The adoption of Industry 4.0 tools—including automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the Internet of Things—offers transformative opportunities for MSMEs to modernize production, enhance efficiency, and compete in national and global markets. Technology intervention not only reduces costs and improves quality but also fosters sustainability and resilience. For the North East, such digital transformation is particularly significant in sectors like agro-processing, handicrafts, textiles, and tourism.

Strategic collaborations, skill development, financial support, and enabling policies will be essential to unlock these opportunities and position the region as a hub for innovation and sustainable growth.

Key Focus Areas

  • Technology Adoption in MSMEs – Digital Designing & Reverse Engineering, 3D Printing, AI, IoT, and Digital platforms.
  • Capacity Building & Skill Development – Training entrepreneurs and workers.
  • Digital Infrastructure – Strengthening high speed 5G and above networks
  • Physical Connectivity – Strengthening logistics
  • Access to Finance & Incentives – Credit Schemes for Industry 4.0, subsidies, and technology support schemes.
  • Innovation & Start-up Ecosystem – Alignment of incubation hubs and R&D to address the SDG Gaps of NER.
  • Sectoral Opportunities – Healthcare, Agro-processing, Handicrafts, Textiles, Tourism.
  • Market Linkages & E-commerce – Expanding MSMEs’ reach via Metaverse.
  • Sustainability & Green Technologies – Energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions.
  • Policy & Institutional Support – Enabling frameworks for smooth deployment of Industry 4.0.

About the Seminar

The Seminar is jointly hosted by the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, IIM Shillong, and AMTRON, Assam. It seeks to empower MSMEs in the North East by fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience through technology adoption and Industry 4.0 solutions.

Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, funding agencies, government representatives, research scholars, and faculty, the Seminar will serve as a platform to share knowledge, build partnerships, and chart the roadmap for MSME transformation in the region.

Seminar Model

The Seminar will feature a diverse set of activities designed to encourage dialogue, innovation, and collaboration:

  • Keynote Addresses by policymakers, industry experts, and academic leaders.
  • Expert Talks & Panel Discussions on technology adoption, financing, and policy frameworks.
  • Paper Presentations showcasing academic and industry research on MSMEs and Industry 4.0.
  • Idea Exchange Sessions enabling entrepreneurs and innovators to present disruptive solutions.
  • Model Displays & Demonstrations of Industry 4.0 applications and digital tools.
  • Exhibitions & Start-up Showcase highlighting products, services, and best practices from MSMEs, start-ups, and technology providers.

About IIM Shillong

Located amidst the green hills of North East India, IIM Shillong began operations in 2008 with a vision to excel in management education and research. Known for its academic rigor and emphasis on sustainability, the institute nurtures ethical values, compassion, and social responsibility in business leadership.

About the Dr. Kalam Centre

The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis at IIM Shillong is a joint initiative of MDoNER, NEC, and IIM Shillong. Established in 2016, the Centre functions as a policy think tank dedicated to evidence-based policymaking, innovation, and capacity building in the North East. Its work spans five pillars: Training & Development, Research & Consultancy, Policy Advocacy, Knowledge Dissemination, and Civic Engagement.

About AMTRON

Assam Electronics Development Corporation Limited (AMTRON), a Government of Assam enterprise, plays a pivotal role in advancing technology and innovation in the North East. Its flagship initiatives include the 3D Printing Centre of Excellence (3D CoE) and the 5G Lab/Experience Centre at Tech City, Guwahati. It has also engaged with Central Public Sector Undertakings in adoption of Industry 4.0 as a Whole of Government Approach. These initiatives foster innovation, prototyping, skill development, digital adoption, and advanced connectivity solutions across diverse sectors, thereby strengthening the region’s technological ecosystem.

About BSNL

BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED (BSNL) was formed by corporatization of the erstwhile Department of Telecom Services & came into being on 15th September 2000. The company has taken over w.e.f. 01.10.2000 the erstwhile functions of the Department of Telecom in respect of provision of telecom services across the length and breadth of the country excluding Delhi & Mumbai. At the time of corporatization of BSNL, the Cabinet decision stipulated that Government shall provide a package of measures to ensure that the viability of BSNL is not impaired by providing uneconomic but socially desirable services at the behest of the Government. BSNL is a 100% Govt. of India owned Public Sector Undertaking.

Call for Papers

Original contributions are invited from scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders across disciplines such as Economics, Sociology, Responsible Business, Marketing, Finance & Accounting, HR & OB, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Operations, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Submissions may include theoretical frameworks, empirical research, case studies, or innovative methodologies.

Publication Opportunities: Selected papers will be considered for publication in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes with ISBN.

Best Paper Awards: Awards for Best Paper and Best Student Paper will be conferred based on blind peer review.

Submission Guidelines

  • Format: Max 5000 words, PDF/Word
  • Font: Times New Roman, Size 12, Double-spaced
  • Margins: 1-inch (2.5 cm)
  • References: APA (7th Edition)
  • Submission Portal: Click Here

Important Dates

Full Paper Submission Opens 15th October 2025
Submission Closes 15th November 2025
Intimation of Acceptance 5th December 2025
Registration Opens 6th December 2025
Registration Closes 15th December 2025
Seminar Dates 19th December to 20th December 2025

Expected Outcomes

The Seminar aims to generate tangible and impactful outputs that can guide both policymakers and practitioners:

  1. Framework of Actionable Items – A consolidated roadmap highlighting key policy recommendations, technology adoption strategies, and collaborative initiatives for strengthening MSMEs using Industry 4.0 in the North East.
  2. High-quality Academic Manual – A comprehensive publication compiling selected papers, case studies, and expert insights, serving as a knowledge resource for researchers, practitioners, and government agencies.

Registration Fees

  • Research Scholars (India): INR 5,000 + GST
  • Faculty (India): INR 10,000 + GST
  • Industry Professionals: INR 10,000 + GST
  • Students/Research Scholars (Abroad): INR 12,000 + GST
  • Faculty (Abroad): INR 20,000 + GST

Seminar Patron

Prof. Nalini Prava Tripathy, Director (i/c), IIM Shillong

Shri Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, North Eastern Council

Shri Rovert Ravi, CMD, BSNL

Seminar Coordinators

  • From Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre, IIM Shillong
    • Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Ningombam: Centre Head, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre, IIM Shillong
    • Dr. Manish Kumar: Research Assistant, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre, IIM Shillong
  • From AMTRON: Shri A Anand, Advisor, Industry 4.0 CoE, Tech City, Guwahati
  • From NSIC: Shri Kartikeya Sinha, Director (P & M), NSIC
  • From BSNL: Shri Jitendra Garg, PGM, BSNL
  • From NEHHDC: Shri M. Kocho, Managing Director, NEHHDC

Contact Details

Emailapjcentre@iimshillong.ac.in

Phone Number: 0364-2308098

Information to Participants

About IIM Shillong

IIM Shillong, the seventh IIM in India, has been set up with a vision to become an internationally recog­nized Management Institute with a Global outlook grounded in Indian values. From its inception, it has been constantly working towards a lofty mission to generate and disseminate knowledge in all aspects of management education with a focus on Sustainability and building innovative leadership.

Travelling to Shillong

Surrounded by verdant hills, Shillong offers a beautiful panoramic view of the graceful scenic country­side. Shillong can be reached by taxi from Guwahati airport/railway station, which is about120 km away. Guwahati airport is well connected to many major cities in India including Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Helicopter services are also available between Guwahati and Shillong. Shillong is connected to Assam, Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal and New Delhi through direct flights.