Marc Ramsay, Vice President, Sales, AVEVA engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Deepak Sharma, Zone President of Greater India and CEO, Schneider Electric,during the AVEVA Day Mumbai event in 2023. The event revolved around the theme ‘Empowering the Connected Industrial Economy’ and brought together influential figures to discuss the strategies and technologies propelling industries toward a more interlinked, efficient, and sustainable future. In this illuminating interaction, Sharma provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of India's energy sector and the pivotal role of technology in this profound transformation.

Marc Ramsay: Deepak, we find ourselves in a world characterized by rapid change. The needs and desires of customers are shifting, and we are witnessing significant transformations. Could you share your perspective on how the energy sector in India is evolving and the role technology is playing in this evolution? 

Deepak Sharma: Certainly, Marc. The world is indeed changing, and the energy sector in India is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Just a few years ago, we were discussing India as a $5 trillion economy. Today, we're projecting it to be a $7 trillion economy by 2030. The energy landscape is also experiencing seismic shifts. For instance, we're expecting a substantial surge in electricity demand, largely driven by the expansion of solar energy. The government has ambitious plans to take our solar capacity from 400-450 GW to an astounding 900 GW. This transformation goes beyond mere technological advancements; it is fundamentally reshaping our demographics and urbanization patterns. We are witnessing a phenomenon known as de-urbanization, where people are moving from major cities to smaller towns and embracing remote work. This societal shift is influencing various facets of our lives, from how we work to how we live.

Marc Ramsay: It's fascinating to witness how technology and changing demographics are interconnected and mutually influential. As you've noted, India's unique position, with a large tech-savvy population, presents exciting opportunities. Could you delve deeper into how technology, particularly digitization, is being embraced in India?

Deepak Sharma: Absolutely, Marc. India holds a distinctive position on the global stage when it comes to its digital identity infrastructure. With 1.4 billion people possessing unique digital IDs, this ecosystem proved to be invaluable during vaccination drives. The transformation isn't confined to tech companies or major cities; it is permeating every facet of our lives. For instance, e-commerce has experienced remarkable growth in India. Just a decade ago, it was virtually non-existent, and today it constitutes a significant portion of our business. Consumer buying behaviors have evolved at a rapid pace, and individuals now engage in digital transactions even with street vendors. This transformation is tangible and impacts everyone.

Marc Ramsay: That's truly impressive and reflects the adaptability and dynamism of Indian society. You've underscored the importance of embracing digitization. Could you outline how Schneider Electric and AVEVA are contributing to this transformation?

Deepak Sharma: Schneider Electric and AVEVA bring two key elements to the table: profound domain expertise and a commitment to open, agnostic approaches. We do not tie ourselves to specific technologies or brands. Our combined solutions seamlessly integrate with existing technologies, enhancing sustainability, and delivering quantifiable improvements. Moreover, we boast a vast global partner network, which empowers us to provide tailored solutions that cater to specific requirements. We share a culture of innovation and are dedicated to making our customers' visions a reality, all while enhancing profitability, minimizing risk, and equipping teams with interconnected capabilities.

Marc Ramsay: The partnership between Schneider Electric and AVEVA seems to rest on a robust foundation. Could you delve into what distinguishes this partnership and how it benefits customers? 

Deepak Sharma: Certainly, Marc. What sets us apart is our formidable domain knowledge and our unwavering commitment to open, agnostic approaches. We cater to an extensive range of industries, spanning from agriculture to aerospace, and we cover everything from connected products to cloud solutions. Our expansive network in India, boasting over 500 offices and 1,500 partners, equips us with the capability to access and serve the market effectively. Furthermore, our pledge to openness means we can work seamlessly with any brand, whether it's a software or hardware company. We prioritize solving more significant problems rather than pushing individual brands. Our focus is on creating partnerships that work, whether they involve investments or funding.

Marc Ramsay: That dedication to openness and collaboration is evident. It's indeed refreshing to witness such collaboration within the industry. Could you provide examples of how this partnership has delivered innovative solutions or tackled specific challenges?  

Deepak Sharma: One of the principal strengths of this partnership is our unwavering commitment to addressing real-world challenges. We have established a robust presence in India, boasting R&D centers in cities such as Hyderabad and Bangalore, housing nearly 6,000 engineers and digital experts. This local presence empowers us to provide solutions that cater specifically to the challenges faced in India. For instance, we have been able to address issues related to operational efficiency, shutdown maintenance, and industrial processes. The fusion of our domain expertise with AVEVA's capabilities enables us to craft solutions that have a tangible impact on the operations and sustainability of our customers.

Marc Ramsay: That is indeed impressive, and it underscores the value of local expertise. Your passion for this partnership and the broader transformation in India is palpable. As we conclude, what message or call to action would you like to convey to the audience?

Deepak Sharma: I would like to emphasize that the time to act is now. India's growth is inevitable, but the question is whether it will be sustainable and efficient. That depends on all of us. As users and consumers, we have a responsibility to make our homes, workplaces, and communities more sustainable. Technology providers like Schneider Electric and AVEVA are here to showcase our capabilities, build trust, and offer solutions. We are open to working closely with users to address their specific challenges. We are also open to forming broader ecosystems that can help us collectively drive positive change. In essence, the transformation is underway, and it is affecting every facet of our lives. Let's embrace digitization and act now to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for India and the world.

Marc Ramsay: Thank you, Deepak, for sharing your insights and your fervor for this transformative journey. Your call to action and emphasis on collaboration resonate powerfully, serving as an invitation for all of us to participate in this exciting transformation.

As Deepak Sharma and Marc Ramsay concluded their enlightening conversation, the audience at AVEVA Day Mumbai 2023 sat in rapt attention, reflecting on the profound insights shared by these industry leaders. The themes of transformation, collaboration, and the urgent need for action lingered in the air.

In the corridors of the event venue, attendees engaged in spirited discussions, eager to explore how they could contribute to the journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable industrial economy. The impact of Deepak Sharma's and Marc Ramsay's words resonated deeply with everyone present, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents. The interview served as a powerful reminder that transformation is not just a buzzword but a tangible force that is shaping India's future. It highlighted the role of technology in this evolution and underscored the collective responsibility of individuals, businesses, and society as a whole to make the transition a success.

As the event continued, participants embarked on their own journeys of discovery, seeking innovative solutions, forging new partnerships, and embracing the digital era with renewed enthusiasm. The lessons shared by Deepak Sharma and Marc Ramsay served as a compass guiding them toward a more sustainable, connected, and prosperous future.