The Tata Nano might not have been a commericial success in the Indian market straight away, but there is no doubt about it that there it has been through some serious technological development cycles. And it is not India who is alone admitting it. Recently a top US official also commented that that Tata’s small car, the Nano has set new standards for low cost vehicles. He mentioned this in an open-ed in the Huffington Post.
He lauded the Tata Nano as being a prime example of innovations being used for the affordable things for the masses. He also added that innovation is not limited to the developed world. Increasingly, innovative ideas and products originate in emerging markets where there is a growing number of research centres, innovative scientists, and highly entrepreneurial businesses. Mr. Robert D Hormats, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy also mentioned that the $3000 developed Tata Nano haS set new global standards for low cost vehicles.
Tata Motors has filed for many patents since its development to protect the innovations under intellectual property. The US official also added in his note that the Internet, social media, and new mobile phone applications afford an opportunity to collaborate and innovate on a previously unimaginable scale. But such innovations can only be encouraged through additional Govt support and support and free exchange of ideas and reward risk-taking through protection and enforcement of IP rights.
