Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) Chennai, a premier and constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, has emerged as one of the most customer sensitive and globally competitive research institutions of the country. The laboratory enjoys a vibrant partnership with both industry and academy in the country. With about 30% share of publications in peer reviewed journals in the world on leather and >7% share of IPR products developed, Central Leather Research Institute is the global leader in Leather Research. The institute has developed strong internal processes which enable a steady and high growth of business related income of the institute. CLRI has adopted a right balance of transaction and relationship based business models. This has led to a sustainable Cumulative Aggregated Growth Rate of over 15-1 7% in External Cash Flow over prolonged period of ten years. The ratio of aggregated External Cash Flow to the Fixed costs of total salary related expenses of CLRI over a period of ten years from 1996-2006 is 80.4%. Such a ratio of income to input over ten year period symbolizes the strength of the business processes established in the institute.

CLRI has established internal processes, which have enabled the RR generation rate registering an aggregated increase of 400% for the decennium of 1996-2006 relative to 1985-1995. The IP portfolio of US patent has increased from zero in 1995 to 25 in 2006. The commercialization rate of IPRs generated by CLRI is about 12% which is nearly 300% of the global rate of commercialization of patents. Earnings from commercialization of patents and technology transfer have registered a CAGR growth of 70% during the period 1997-98 to 2005-06.

CLRI enjoys a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) rating around 3.5 out of 4.0 over a seven year period. This high ratio coupled with consistency of CSI performance has contributed to the customers' delight. Business Processes Division of CLRI after it’s restructuring in 1997 has delivered for the institute a healthy and sound best practice model. The institute is currently implementing a ERP solution specially designed and developed for managing the business development processes. CLRI today is a model organization for self-sustainable research and development in Leather world and it carries special brand equity as evidenced from the scale and scope of international business activities emerging during the last two years. The leadership and the team effort of CLRI in business processes deserve high commendation and congratulations.

Dr A Subbarama Naidu