Technology has become the backbone of the modern business world. It’s particularly significant in developing economies like India, where Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) form the cornerstone of the economy. In India, SMEs account for about 30% of GDP and 45% of total manufacturing output, as per the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises report (2022). But what role does technology play in this sector’s performance? Let’s explore.
A study conducted by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) in 2022 found a strong correlation between technology adoption and the performance of SMEs. The study observed 1,500 SMEs across various sectors and geographical locations in India over a period of 3 years.
According to the ICRIER study, SMEs that embraced digital technologies experienced a 17% increase in revenue on average, compared to their non-digital counterparts. The study also revealed that these SMEs saw a 14% reduction in operating costs, primarily due to process automation and increased operational efficiency.
The importance of technology adoption by SMEs is further corroborated by a 2023 report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). According to the FICCI report, SMEs employing digital technologies have a 27% higher likelihood of tapping into new markets, thereby fostering their growth potential and competitiveness.
These findings are not only limited to digital technologies. A study by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) showed that the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies significantly enhanced production capacity. SMEs adopting such technologies reported a 19% increase in their production capacity, leading to improved scalability and growth.
Furthermore, technology has proven instrumental in addressing the common challenges faced by SMEs in India. A survey conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) identified access to credit, market information, and skilled labor as the top hurdles for SMEs. Technology-driven solutions such as digital lending platforms, online marketplaces, and e-learning platforms have emerged as effective tools in overcoming these obstacles.
Despite these advantages, the technology adoption rate among SMEs in India is relatively low. A study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2022 found that only 29% of SMEs have fully integrated digital technologies into their operations. This highlights the pressing need for fostering a conducive environment for technology uptake.
The Indian government has already recognized this potential and has introduced initiatives like the Digital MSME Scheme and the Technology Center Systems Program (TCSP) to boost technology adoption among SMEs.
There is compelling evidence to suggest that technology adoption significantly enhances the performance of SMEs in India. It is a catalyst for revenue growth, cost reduction, market expansion, and overcoming operational challenges. However, there is a clear need for increased support and awareness initiatives to ensure more widespread adoption. With the right impetus, Indian SMEs can leverage technology as a potent tool for achieving unprecedented growth and competitiveness in the global market.
'Tanpa biaya, tanpa ekuitas' Keunggulan Wadhwani memiliki gudang penasihat bisnis, konsultan dan mentor UKM, serta para ahli yang telah berhasil mentransformasi bisnis. Anda dapat memanfaatkan layanan mereka dengan mendaftar ke Keunggulan Wadhwani yang membangun kapasitas untuk mempercepat pendapatan bisnis sebesar 2x hingga 10x lipat.
Bisnis dengan pendapatan > INR 3Cr dapat mendaftar di sini:
