Technology issues in Pakistan's leather tanning SMEs

Abstract

This research paper deals with technology and its resultant impact on Pakistan's Leather industry. The leather industry which includes the up stream activities of tanneries, as well as the down stream activities such as foot'\weir, leather garments, and other leather products contribute to the national economy in many ways like employment generation, equitable regional growth, social stability, and national income. In Pakistan the leather industry is the second largest export income generator after the cotton textile sector. The paper analyzes the current technology management issues faced by the industry and its various implications with special emphasis on environmental aspects. The analysis shows that lack of information about advancements in leather technology, poor in-house R & D and innovation, inadequate local capabilities, and non availability of pollution control technology systems are the major constraints affecting this sector. The SMEs are handicapped in many ways therefore do not have the resources to source, obtain, transfer, and adopt technology. The paper highlights the importance of addressing these issues and the need for integrating the stakeholders in order to develop proper mechanisms to allow the industry to reach its full potential. A national policy of support in areas of technology and marketing can propel this sector to make the country a world leader in leather industry. Keywords: