The Goan: Goa had an IT policy in the early part of 2000 or there were attempts to have an IT policy. Now, in 2018, the State government is coming up with an IT policy again. What do you think has changed in the last 15 years? What do you think didn’t click then and could click now?
Mohandas Pai: There has been a technological disruption in the world in the last 15 years or so. More than a decade ago, when the State had its first IT policy or attempted to come out with a policy, India was trying to build an IT industry. At that time, we were just about $3-4 billion dollars in revenue. Industry was service-based, as there were very few product companies.
But now, there are many more IT product companies. There are 30,000 start-ups, which are largely product companies and the whole scenario has changed. The IT service companies have become giants. India exports $125 billion of software and 60% of the world comes here. Out of the top 10 software companies in the world by market value, give are Indian. All great American companies use software made in India. 470 of Fortune 500 companies globally use software from India.
In the second phase, we are talking about disruption, products and young companies. IT services companies are there. People, who work in IT services, are leaving and starting their own start-ups. Also the children of people in IT industry are getting education globally and starting their own companies.
TG: Do you see huge potential in Goa emerging as a destination for IT product companies?
MP: Yes, that’s what I said. I said technology disruption is happening. Goa has to invest in cutting-edge technologies, in artificial intelligence, robotics, life-sciences, machine-learning. All of this requires high technology, highly skilled people and cutting-edge research. Since you don’t have legacy, you have an opportunity to be a dominant player. I’d like Goa to be like Israel “ a centre for deep technology and deep research. We must dream big. And, Goa needs to have a dream.
TG: So you mean Goa should follow Israel’s model when it comes to technology?
MP: Yes, Israel’s model is high-tech with few people. They don’t have masses of people like Bangalore has. Suppose a company says that it wants to hire 2,000 people in Goa, you will not be able to provide so many people. Therefore, Goa has to invest in cutting-edge research and improve quality of education.
