Title: Foresight, vision and strategy in the management of fast breeder technology in India

Authors: Placid Rodriguez

Addresses: Recruitment and Assessment Centre, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110 054, India

Abstract: This paper tells the story of the management of the Fast Breeder Reactor Technology in India. Tracing the genesis of the Indian Nuclear Program to the 1944 proposal from Homi Bhabha to the Tata Trust for the establishment of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai (née Bombay), the rare foresight and uncanny vision shown in chalking out and implementing the ||three stage nuclear power|| strategy are highlighted. The strategy has encompassed all ingredients for successful management of technology, viz. human resources development, acquisition, absorption, development, upgrading and innovation of technology, as well as research, development design and engineering for know-how and know-why. The importance of mastering and building up capabilities in all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle was realised and the program focused on this need from the beginning. Capabilities for quality manufacturing and fabrication were encouraged and nurtured in Indian industry to meet the stringent requirements for nuclear components. The case of Fast Breeder Reactor Technology (FBTR) is described in detail as a key example.

Keywords: technology management; fast breeder reactors; nuclear fuel cycle; three-stage nuclear power programme; India; foresight; vision; strategy; fast breeder test reactor; FBTR; prototype fast breeder reactor; PFBR; pressurised heavy water reactor; PHWR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2004.004968

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2004 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.342 - 368

Published online: 04 Aug 2004 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article