The Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing (VLFM) Programme was established under a joint technical cooperation agreement between the Prime Ministers of India and Japan in December 2006. This groundbreaking initiative was designed to address the growing need for leadership excellence within the Indian manufacturing sector and to enhance its global competitiveness. Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the VLFM Programme has been instrumental in transforming leadership paradigms and driving innovation in manufacturing.

VLFM: Unique Collaboration of Government, Industry and Academia

Government of India Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council

Government of Japan Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Industry Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Academia Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIMC)

Foundation in India

The foundation of the VLFM Programme in India represents a significant milestone in the nation’s industrial development. The programme was conceived to develop a pool of visionary leaders capable of guiding the Indian manufacturing sector towards dynamic growth and sustainability. Designed in collaboration with experts from India and Japan, the VLFM curriculum incorporates best practices and advanced methodologies to enhance leadership skills. Over the past 19 years, the programme has engaged more than 1300 senior managers and over 6,000 participants across various sectors, fostering a robust VLFM community.

Contribution by Industry

The success of the VLFM Programme is largely attributed to the active participation and support of leading industry across India. The industry has contributed by providing real-world insights, mentorship, and field exposure to participants. Their involvement ensures that the programme remains aligned with current industry needs and challenges. By bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application, the VLFM Programme has empowered participants to implement transformative changes within their organisations, resulting in enhanced competitiveness and innovation.

Mr. Jamshyd Godrej is the Chairman of VLFM and has been a staunch supporter since its inception. He has made significant contributions, including dedicating a special training centre for VLFM in Mumbai and assigning several senior managers to the programme as trainers as well as trainees. His enduring contributions have encouraged other top leaders to continue their support for VLFM.

Looking ahead, the VLFM Programme aims to further expand its reach and impact. Future plans include strengthening collaboration with international partners, integrating cutting-edge technologies and practices into the curriculum, and increasing participant intake. The programme is also focused on developing specialised modules that address emerging trends and challenges in the manufacturing sector. These initiatives are designed to ensure that VLFM remains at the forefront of leadership development in India.

Progress Across the Years

Since its inception, the VLFM Programme has made remarkable progress. Each batch of participants has contributed to a growing repository of success stories, demonstrating innovative practices and leadership excellence. The programme’s modular approach, which includes a critical learning visit to Japan, has broadened the global perspective of Indian managers, enabling them to adopt a holistic view of manufacturing. With over 450 documented success stories, the impact of VLFM is evident in the transformation of 1,150 plants, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers. The VLFM community continues to thrive, steering the Indian manufacturing sector towards a promising future.

Vision Ahead for VLFM Practitioners:

1. Apply VLFM Tools and Techniques: Incorporate VLFM tools and methodologies into daily work and personal life to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Disseminate Learnings: Cascade the acquired knowledge to teams and the wider organisation, fostering the development of a local VLFM community.
3. Engage with the VLFM Network: Establish and maintain connections with other VLFM practitioners to share insights and best practices.
4. Explore VSME Implementation: Understand and implement the Visionary Small & Medium Enterprises (VSME). Explore the techniques to incorporate the “Three Eyes of Buddha” in the SME sector.
5. Contribute as a Committed Demonstrator: Support the VLFM Programme by becoming an active demonstrator at the early stages of your career, showcasing your expertise and commitment.
6. Participate as a VLFM Evaluator, Demonstrator, or Content Developer: Take on roles such as evaluator, demonstrator, or content developer to contribute to the programme’s growth and success.
7. Share Success Stories Regularly: Document and share success stories annually or periodically to highlight achievements and inspire others.

Different programmes under VLFM umbrella:

CII is now continuing the VLFM national mission with the following programmes:

1. VLFM Programme for Senior Managers — Click here
2. Visionary SME (VSME) — Click here
3. PGPEX-VLM — Click here