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US-based consumer products major Procter & Gamble is looking at alliances with leading Indian companies for its global research and development operations.
The multinational was in talks with Reliance Industries, Dr Reddy's Labs, Ranbaxy, General Electric India, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Indian Institutes of Technology among others to enhance its global R&D capability, senior P&G executives said.
The alliances will enable P&G to incorporate cutting-edge technology in its manufacturing processes and products.
"We have met about 18 companies and research centres across India for extending our innovation and knowledge capabilities, and are looking for tie-ups with them. We will begin due diligence on these companies and institutions soon, before shortlisting them," said Larry Huston, vice-president, innovation and knowledge, P&G.
The areas that have been identified for research are product formulation, packaging, enzymes, bleaching and cleaning, speciality polymers, oral care and diseases, absorbent and capillary fibre structures, clinical services and low-cost manufacturing design.
"We have identified India as a hub for sourcing solutions to the technological problems we encounter and are in the process of making it an important node in our attempt to build a global innovation network. This network will help the company to leverage knowledge and development from all over the world," Huston said.
The company has begun work with CSIR, which specialises in chemical and related research.
However, the details and nature of alliances with the other companies were not disclosed. "It is premature to talk about these plans right now. We should be able to conclude something in 4-8 months," Huston added.
Shantanu Khosala, country manager, P&G India, said, "The quantum of investment allotted for partnerships in India is undecided and will depend on the opportunities that arise."
Globally, P&G embarked on the concept of 'connect and develop', which helps it to benefit from the technology available outside its research labs, about 18 months ago.