FOCUS INDIA is a student-driven project within the bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). It is organized by students for students in their final year of studies. Launched more than seventeen years ago, it has the core objective to give students deep insights into various aspects of India with a focus on its business environment.

Unleashing the Potential of Adaptability and Agility

As we emerge from the Covid-19 years, adaptability and agility have proven to be crucial aspects for many businesses. In most cases, this mindset combined with efficient handling of goods, workforce, and information resonate with competitive advantage, but it is also an opportunity to rethink processes and comply with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria to secure a sustainable and profitable business.

FOCUS INDIA 2023 aims to explore how adaptability and agility are integrated into Indian companies and their decision-making.

Supply chain management; efficiently and sustainably

Efficient supply chain management is an essential part for any profitable business. As part of acting responsibly toward the environment, businesses ought to be efficient and as sustainable as possible. Furthermore, while Covid-19 had a disruptive effect on supply chains globally, it has allowed for the identification of specific parts that can be improved towards sustainability. There is increasing pressure from the stakeholders to take sustainability into account but customers also demand for better and environmental friendly goods. Performance is not just measured  in terms of maximising profits but performance also includes reliability. ESG stands to be one of the most important factors influencing corporate behaviour and today’s workforce. Furthermore, with India being Switzerland’s second-largest trade partner in Asia and sustainable finance being high on the Confederation’s president’s agenda there is tremendous potential to be explored. We want to learn and investigate how companies in India integrate ESG standards what kind of goods are transported and how companies can move them efficiently and sustainably.

Managing the Workforce

The workforce of a company is key to its success. With the way “work” has been redefined in recent years, the relationship between employees and employer has been considerably impacted. Thus, an important consideration is for companies to create a stimulating work environment that contributes to success. Furthermore, diversified teams are reported to be more productive, specifically in India, where economic growth and foreign direct investment have where India, where economic growth along with foreign direct investment has increased the demand for skilled workers. With adaptability and agility as our theme, seeing how the flow of talents with the right mindset brings value to businesses in both India and Switzerland is of utmost interest.

Curiosity & Imagination Leading towards Innovation

To be innovative is an absolutely mandatory task for any organization in a dynamic market. How do Indian and Swiss Companies produce innovation? What are the key success factors of best practices in both countries? How is outside-the-box thinking being lived up in various fields of business? What can be learnt from culturally different approaches? How can the Mindset of Curiosity & Imagination be implemented and strengthened in an organization? These are questions and topics we will explore in-depth during this Focus India 2023 project.

The Team of FOCUS INDIA 2023 would be honoured to have you as a partner to collaborate on this enriching project.