India as a destination of multinational’s R&D: Growingimportance and management strategy of local R&D centers

While R&D activities of multinational firms in India focus on offshore development, some companies are developing cutting-edge technologies. In addition, product development for the local market has increased with the expansion of the Indian market. India’s importance as an R&D center is predicted to increase, and multinationals in advanced countries must improve the competency creation mission of R&D entities in India. To do so, attracting exceptional talent and running highly autonomous organizations with reduced control from headquarters are critical. However, within a corporate-wide innovation strategy, fostering unity through social controls such as international personnel rotations and training, close communication, and permeation of the corporate culture are essential to having an effective local entity.