The International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), headquartered in Singapore, stands at the forefront of global manufacturing innovation. As an independent, non-profit organization, INCIT—aptly pronounced “insight”—drives industrial transformation by accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0, strengthening operational resilience, and embedding sustainability deep into manufacturing ecosystems across the world.
At the heart of its mission lies a suite of globally acclaimed diagnostic tools. These include the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI), Operational Excellence Readiness Index (OPERI), Consumer Sustainability Industry Readiness Index (COSIRI), and Industrial AI Readiness Index (AIRI). With these frameworks, INCIT empowers manufacturers to measure, benchmark, and enhance their digital maturity and ESG performance with precision. Further amplifying its impact, the XIRI Analytics platform distills complex industrial data into actionable intelligence, enabling business leaders and policymakers to make strategic, future-ready decisions.
In India, INCIT has made decisive strides. Partnering with TÜV SÜD South Asia, it launched the country’s first-ever SIRI training and examination centre—marking a significant milestone in advancing smart manufacturing. Simultaneously, its collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) enables MSMEs to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, thereby supporting national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Spearheading this transformative journey is Raimund Klein, Founder and CEO of INCIT. Under his visionary leadership, the organization has emerged as a global catalyst for industrial evolution—championing a sustainable, technologically empowered future.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Raimund Klein delves into INCIT’s tailored training programs for the Indian market, developed in partnership with CII. He reflects on India’s growing role as a global workforce hub, emphasizes the importance of human-centric training, and highlights how AI is reshaping the employment landscape. Crucially, he explains how artificial intelligence will not only disrupt but also elevate industries.
Here are the key takeaways from this compelling conversation.
Q: Could you elaborate on the training programs you are offering in collaboration with CII, specifically tailored for the Indian market?
A: We offer a comprehensive 40-hour training program designed to accelerate digital transformation in manufacturing. The course includes 100 multiple-choice questions and leverages advanced software to generate randomized assessments. Additionally, it features real-world case studies that form a critical component of the assessor certification process.
Participants who complete the training and pass the examination earn official certification. Once certified, assessors gain access to our proprietary software platform. This platform enables them to input structured assessment data—based on specific parameters we define. Using this data, the system generates a customized digital transformation roadmap tailored to each manufacturer, regardless of size or industry segment.
Over the past four years, we’ve also developed three prioritization indices to guide this journey. One of the key tools is the Operational Excellence Readiness Index (OPERI), designed specifically for India’s approximately 62 million micro and small enterprises. OPERI assesses operational maturity on a 0-to-5 scale, fully aligned with the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI).
Here’s how it works: when a micro-enterprise reaches Band 4 or 5 on OPERI, our system signals that the business is ready to begin its digital transformation. As the organization climbs this maturity ladder—enhancing productivity and adopting digital solutions—it eventually reaches Band 3. At this stage, the system recommends transitioning into the next phase: industrial AI.
This isn’t just a training module—it’s a fully integrated ecosystem. It equips manufacturers with the knowledge, tools, and insights to navigate their transformation journey with clarity and precision. And it’s a solution we’ve meticulously built and refined over the last four years.
Q: How do you view India’s potential to emerge as a global hub for talent and workforce in the coming years?
A: Let me be clear—skilled talent is scarce across the globe. That’s why, when educated professionals shift their focus from current technologies to future innovations—particularly those powering next-generation production lines—and embrace transformation readiness, they unlock global opportunities. With the right mindset and preparation, they can thrive anywhere in the world.
Q: What does human-centric training entail, and how does it address the evolving needs of today’s workforce?
A: Human-centric means shifting away from the Industry 4.0 vision of fully automated ‘black factories’ with zero human involvement and maximum productivity. Instead, it empowers people—equipping them with exoskeletons, virtual reality tools, and advanced training. This collaboration between humans and machines creates a more dynamic, inclusive workplace. Consequently, it strengthens India’s job market by fostering better, more meaningful employment opportunities.
Q: How do you see AI reshaping the employment landscape across various industries in the coming years?
A: When we focus on OPERI, we boost productivity by 6 to 10 percent. Digital transformation drives this further, increasing productivity between 10 and 20 percent. But AI delivers the greatest impact, lifting productivity by 20 to 40 percent.
Q: Do you believe AI will be a transformative force for the industry?
A: AI undoubtedly boosts productivity and drives revenue. But will it truly benefit the workforce? This question underscores why we must shift toward a human-centric approach.
