NGOs And Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is a management skill which needs continuous enrichment through training and field experience. Gujarat introduced innovative methods of entrepreneurship development way back in 1970. Government of Gujarat set up an institution in the name of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) to provide formal training of entrepreneurship development. The institution has been successful for development of breed of modern entrepreneurs who have established their industrial units. Some of them have been highly successful and upgraded their industrial establishments to a higher level. With the technological developments and globalization of economy, the running of an industrial unit has become more complex. Entrepreneurs who have set up their industrial establishments or business units not only need continuous training and enrichment of their knowledge to face global competition but also support from different quarters to face increasing competition. While Government may be required to provide level playing field to entrepreneurs through policy initiatives and facilitation, NGOs may come forward to provide support services to their member industrial units. The cluster development initiatives have provided innovative approach in this regard through participation of Industry Associations. The model has been highly successful in European countries. India has also initiated activities in this regard since 1998, with assistance from UNIDO and some clusters have been highly successful. Gujarat has introduced successfully the cluster development programme in some of the important clusters. The approach has been successful in making industrial units competitive through technology upgradation and quality improvement. Entrepreneurs could get benefits through NGO efforts of net-working, market access instruments, common facilities and common infrastructure. Gujarat Government has introduced policy initiatives to formalize these experiences and thereby enhancing NGOs contribution in industrial development. Government of India has also introduced a new programme of Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS), which is to be implemented by NGO forming Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Important industrial areas of the state like Vapi, Ankleshwar, Rajkot and others will be taking assistance under the scheme. NGOs' contribution in enhancing productivity in business venture and entrepreneurship development is becoming important.