IBM bets big on India, logs in to small towns for R&D build-up

IBM plans to increase its R&D strength in the country, including setting up more centres in smaller cities as a response to a global crunch in tech talent which might last a decade.

Speaking at a round table with the media in the capital, IBM Inc chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna said the company was expanding dramatically. “Apart from the four R&D centres in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and a smaller one in Delhi, we have just announced the opening of centres in Kochi and Ahmedabad. We will also add a few thousands per year in our R&D centres and tens of thousands in the consultancy business,” he said.

One reason for the shortage of talent in technology, Krishna said, was that every company and government has woken up to the fact that technology is not a cost but fundamental to getting a competitive advantage.

“India has a great education system. I think asking for the talent to be perfect makes no sense but if the talent is good enough, IBM gives training. We are investing heavily in skills to boost the pipeline,” he said.

BS