Poly-Inde 2007

Preparing the Leaders of Tomorrow for Global Competition

India, the world’s largest democracy with a population of a billion plus, also boasts one of the most flourishing economies in the world. It was to witness first-hand the constant evolution of this rising economic power that twenty or so future engineers from the École Polytechnique de Montréal spent over three weeks in India in the spring of 2007 as part of the Poly-Inde mission.

Thanks to some thirty institutional and industrial visits carried out in Québec and India, the students were able to experience the country’s economic vitality, learn about its business practices and ultimately help establish commercial ties between Canadian and Indian companies. Among other things, the seven women and thirteen men who participated in the 23-day tour were able to visit two local computer services companies, Satyam and Infosys, and Freescale, the former semiconductors division of Motorola, as well as Philips’ corporate office in India.

“India’s progress is incredible and only by visiting this country do we fully grasp the transition from bureaucratic socialism to economic liberalism,” stated Alexandre Chateauneuf, coordinator of Poly-Inde 2007. “As far as we know, no other student industrial mission has previously taken an interest in India. Our mission is therefore part of a new focus of interest for Québec society.”

On their return, the members of the delegation prepared and published a report that was distributed to the student community and put at the disposal of the Québec business community. In concrete terms, the delegation hopes that its observations will help Québec companies and government organizations that wish to become involved in development projects with India either by establishing partnerships, investing locally or relocating part of their production.

“These students are acutely aware of the new challenges that await them on the job market, a market that has expanded because of increasing global competition that is governed among other things by the constant demand for new technological input and an ability to adapt to different cultures,” explained Robert L. Papineau, Director General of the École Polytechnique.

This type of mission, which takes a long time to prepare, requires the participation of students with an excellent ability to adapt and a keen interest in international affairs. Moreover, they were entirely responsible for raising the funds for the project’s overall budget of $110,000, including logistics and publishing, while at the same time taking training courses to learn about the local culture.

First and foremost, this mission has succeeded in raising awareness among the leaders of tomorrow of the stakes involved in global competition and the need for Québec to ensure that its professionals are open to the world. “With the advent of globalization, this student project is a perfect example of the spirit of professional development,” pointed out Mr. Papineau. “The innovative endeavour, carried out by enthusiastic, qualified, inquisitive students who are open to the world, is a breath of fresh air for future engineers.”

Poly-Inde 2007