The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) is a trade association representing the information technology (IT) and business process management (BPM) industry in India. Founded in 1988, NASSCOM plays a crucial role in shaping and influencing India's IT industry, both domestically and globally. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of NASSCOM and its contributions to the Indian IT sector.
1. Introduction to NASSCOM:
NASSCOM is a non-profit organization headquartered in New Delhi, India. Its primary objective is to promote the IT and BPM industries and foster growth and innovation in these sectors. It acts as a catalyst for the development of the Indian IT ecosystem, supporting companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals through various initiatives, policy advocacy, and industry research.
2. Role and Functions of NASSCOM:
NASSCOM performs several key functions to fulfill its mission of advancing the Indian IT industry. These functions include:
a. Policy Advocacy: NASSCOM works closely with the Indian government to develop policies that support the growth and competitiveness of the IT sector. It represents the interests of the industry and provides recommendations on policy matters related to taxation, intellectual property rights, data protection, cybersecurity, and other relevant areas.
b. Industry Research and Analysis: NASSCOM conducts research and analysis on various aspects of the IT and BPM industries. It produces reports and studies that provide valuable insights into industry trends, market opportunities, emerging technologies, and global best practices. This research helps industry stakeholders make informed decisions and develop strategies for growth.
c. Skill Development and Education: NASSCOM focuses on enhancing the skills and capabilities of the IT workforce in India. It collaborates with academic institutions, training providers, and industry experts to design and implement programs that bridge the skill gap and ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals for the industry. NASSCOM's initiatives in this area include skill development programs, certification frameworks, and partnerships with educational institutions.
d. Start-up Ecosystem Support: NASSCOM actively promotes entrepreneurship and supports the start-up ecosystem in India. It provides mentorship, networking opportunities, funding guidance, and access to resources for tech start-ups. NASSCOM organizes events, competitions, and accelerator programs to nurture innovation and help start-ups succeed.
e. Global Engagement: NASSCOM represents the Indian IT industry on the global stage. It engages with international counterparts, industry associations, and governments to promote India as a preferred destination for IT services and investments. NASSCOM's global initiatives aim to showcase Indian capabilities, facilitate business collaborations, and attract foreign investments in the IT sector.
3. Initiatives and Programs by NASSCOM:
NASSCOM has launched several initiatives and programs to drive the growth and competitiveness of the Indian IT industry. Some notable initiatives include:
a. FutureSkills: FutureSkills is an online learning platform created by NASSCOM to upskill and reskill IT professionals. It offers a wide range of courses in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science.
b. TechNgage: TechNgage is a program that focuses on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in engineering colleges across India. It aims to nurture and support student-led tech start-ups by providing mentoring, networking, and funding opportunities.
c. 10,000 Start-ups: This initiative by NASSCOM aims to support the growth of 10,000 technology start-ups in India over a period of ten years. It provides mentoring, access to investors, networking opportunities, and other resources to start-ups at various stages of their journey.
