The Punjab Government, the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings, Ludhiana and GNDEC joined hands to strengthen research and innovation ecosystem in the state.Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that the Science, Technology & Environment Department had organised an interactive meeting with Industrial Association members of CICU at Ludhiana, where Principal Secretary Rakesh Verma apprised the industrialist about the ‘Mission Innovate Punjab’ to promote Research and innovation culture in the State. The Principal Secretary said that this mission would be promoted in the state in partnership with Universities & Research Institutions, Industry, Government Departments and Funding Agencies. The industrialists were sensitized about the impact of innovations on the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).Ludhiana being one of the major hubs of manufacturing activities in the State, the Principal Secretary appealed the CICU members to be the key driver for Industry led innovation and adopt advanced manufacturing technology.Discussions were held regarding the need for the industries to embrace Industry 4.0 to become globally competitive, which will enhance productivity & efficiency, provide flexibility in manufacturing and enhanced customer experience for competing with other Countries.It was also highlighted that the present readiness of MSMEs for Industry 4.0 was a big challenge besides building capacity of MSMEs. The Government and CICU also agreed to identify Institutes with requisite capacity to provide handholding of Industry for Industry 4.0.Rakesh Verma also visited Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (GNDEC) which has expertise in the areas of Environment, Information Technology, manufacturing & additive manufacturing and explored the possibility of upgrading their manufacturing lab as Centre of Excellence for Industry 4.0 in collaboration with industry to facilitate transition of MSMEs to Industry 4.0 and creating skilled manpower.