Digitalization of MSME Sector: Policy Initiatives and Challenges

Anupriya Pandey
Associate Professor, SOMS, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India. E-mail: anupriya@ignou.ac.in

Varsha Jaiswal
Research Scholar, SOMS, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India; and is the corresponding author. E-mail: varsha9193jaiswal@gmail.com

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India are characterized by their dynamic and vibrant nature. The Government of India has set forth a vision of a progressive MSME sector and is currently developing various policies to support their efficacy. The process of digitalization presents a viable means of establishing a resilient and favorable commercial atmosphere that offers vast prospects to these small organizations, empowering them to engage in global competition. What measures has the government implemented to support the digitalization of the MSME sector? What is the response of enterprises to these policies and what are the primary obstacles hindering the progress of this developmental process? In order to achieve a notable enhancement, it is imperative to address specific inquiries. In order to investigate these inquiries, a study was undertaken utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. The study employed a sample of 138 entrepreneurs from the MSME sector located in Delhi, India. In general, the study indicates that the initiative to enhance the digitalization of MSMEs began only a few years ago. Although the progress was initially sluggish, it has since picked up speed. It is imperative to conduct e-literacy programs to enhance awareness about the significance and utilization of digital technology for business development, particularly at the grassroots level.

Introduction
The process of upgrading business models through the adoption of digital technologies to enhance processes and create value through the digital flow of information is commonly referred to as "Digitalization" (Vivek and Chandrasekar, 2019). According to Matlay and Westhead (2005), digital technologies form the basis of the e-economy, a term that is frequently used interchangeably with other terms such as Digital Economy, New Economy, or Internet Economy. Amazon serves as a prominent illustration of how the incorporation of digital technology into a business model has transformed the company. Despite initially focusing solely on book sales in 1994, Amazon has since evolved into a prominent marketplace for goods globally. Prior to their expansion, business entities were once small in size. The incorporation of digital technology has facilitated the transformation and enhancement of efficiency for these entities. In light of the widespread digitalization phenomenon, it is essential for businesses to undergo digital transformation as the integration of technology is now a necessary prerequisite rather than a discretionary choice. In order to ensure long-term viability, it is imperative for businesses to align with current trends, even if they are currently experiencing success in offline operations. In the contemporary business landscape, it is crucial for enterprises of all sizes to create a digital footprint to ensure their continuity (McCole and Ramsey, 2005).

The "National Workshop on Growth of Retail and E-Commerce in India 2023" was recently conducted by the Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME). The workshop highlighted India's position as an aspirational nation, with an anticipated growth plan towards a $5 tn and eventually a $10 tn economy. During the workshop, it was emphasized that traditional business practices alone are insufficient for attaining this goal. The emergence of digitalization as a disruptive force has the potential to unlock opportunities for MSMEs in India, but currently, only 10% of small businesses in India participate in e-commerce activities due to inadequate digital understanding (The Economic Times, 2023).

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have expanded their operations across various sectors of the economy, producing a diverse range of products and services. This has enabled them to not only meet local demands but also establish a global presence. India has a significant number of MSMEs, with 633.88 lakhs in operation; among these, a majority, 630.52 lakhs, are micro enterprises, while 3.31 lakhs are small and 0.05 lakhs are medium enterprises. These MSMEs play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities to 11.10 crore individuals and contribute significantly to the country's GDP and exports in a sustainable manner (Annual Report 2022-2023, 2023). The Government of India has implemented policies aimed at consolidating and developing the MSME sector, considering its significant contribution to the economy.

The Indian government has implemented the MSMED Act of 2006, which categorizes enterprises based on their investment in plant and machinery, with the aim of promoting the development of MSMEs. However, the previous classification criterion has been invalidated and expanded to enable a greater number of enterprises to access the advantages of MSMEs. A revised classification based on turnover has been issued by the government for MSMEs, with implementation since July 1, 2020 (Table 1). As per the new classification, the same criteria will be applied for manufacturing as well as service sector.

Digitalization and MSMEs
With the expansion and acceleration of digital connectivity, individuals are increasingly traversing the online landscape. Consequently, as consumers rapidly embrace digitalization, there is a corresponding imperative for businesses to undergo digital transformation. Large enterprises have greater access to resources, which enables them to undergo transformation with relative ease. However, MSMEs encounter challenges in adopting digital technology without a robust support system in place.

As a result, the Government of India is leaving no stone unturned by framing policies to foster a strong digital ecosystem. Digital India, Start-Up India, Skill India, and e-Governance are perhaps the most crucial initiatives aimed at building a conducive business environment by escalating digitalization to enhance the effectiveness of the enterprises.

Numerous technology centers, previously known as technological institutions and tool rooms, have been instituted across India with the aim of providing technological aid and instruction to industries in their manufacturing processes; the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an electronic platform designed for the procurement of goods and services by the government online, whereas the NSIC's MSME mart is an online Business-to-Business (B2B) marketplace; the MSME Champions Schemes have incorporated a new component known as 'Digital MSME' with the principal aim to promote the adoption of digital tools, applications, and technologies by MSMEs in their business and production processes, with the ultimate goal of improving their competitiveness; the Udyam portal is a digital platform to enable self-registration and aims to simplify the business registration process; and the implementation of the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) and the MSME SAMBANDH portal to oversee the procurement activities and MSME SAMADHAAN portals for the submission of applications pertaining to delayed payments (Press Information Bureau, 2022). The government has implemented various programs and schemes aimed at augmenting the business potential of MSMEs in the digital economy. The aim is to facilitate the ability of these enterprises to engage in competition with other sizable e-commerce entities and secure their continuity.

In collaboration with Advanis, GoDaddy, a domain registrar, has undertaken The GoDaddy 2023 Data Observatory to enhance comprehension of the utilization of Internet-based technologies among small businesses. The sample comprised 569 small business entrepreneurs from India. As per the results of the investigation, specifically 62% utilize an online store, website, or e-commerce platform as their principal mode of conducting sales to augment their business activities. The findings indicate that specifically 65% of enterprises derived up to 50% of their total revenue from online sales and only 36% enterprises derived more than 50% revenue through online channels. The research indicates that a mere 4% of enterprises have been engaged in online sales for a decade or more, while a significant 63% of small firms have adopted digital channels for commercial transactions within a span of one to five years (Leng, 2023).

It is apparent that despite the implementation of various policies and initiatives, obstacles remain in achieving complete digitalization of the MSME sector. Consequently, it has become crucial to comprehend the determinants that impact the process of digitalization in MSMEs.

Literature Review
Factors Influencing Digitalization in MSMEs
The significance of the Internet in ensuring the viability of small businesses is underscored by Van and Cavaye (1999) research. The study identified the facilitators and barriers to Internet adoption by conducting a case analysis of three small businesses in Australia. The study revealed that perceived benefit, cost-effectiveness, and innovative management are significant facilitators, while lack of experience and knowledge, lack of expertise, and high expenses associated with technology implementation are major hindrances.

In a study conducted by Upadhyaya et al. (2013), a sample of 122 Indian MSMEs was utilized to identify the barriers that hinder the adoption of B2B e-marketplace. The study revealed that the major barrier to adoption was the inability of service providers to comprehend the needs of the MSMEs. The research indicates that entrepreneurs exhibit hesitancy in adopting digital platforms due to the unpreparedness of their trading counterparts.

Malviya and Chakraborty (2013) examined the utilization of cloud computing technology by MSMEs and its associated advantages. Cloud computing has emerged as a cost-effective solution for MSME entrepreneurs, as it obviates the necessity of constructing and developing proprietary infrastructure for utilizing major Internet tools.

Singh and Singh (2014) proposed that the establishment of a favorable business environment for MSMEs in the era of globalization requires addressing the issue of technological underdevelopment.

Setyawati et al. (2014) examined the influence of Information Technology (IT) on the competitive advantage and business performance of MSMEs in Indonesia. The study determined that the correlations were statistically significant, indicating that the integration of IT within business operations is a crucial factor in maintaining the organization strong.

Agrawal and Pendse (2015) examined the impediments to the implementation of IT in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the study investigated the level of awareness among SME owners regarding the adoption of IT. The survey results indicated that the primary obstacles encountered are insufficient knowledge of IT, a shortage of qualified personnel, and financial constraints. The research revealed that a mere 27% of SMEs utilize websites as a platform for conducting sales transactions, with the majority of them employing it solely for promotional purposes. A majority of enterprises do not allocate a distinct budget for the development of IT.

Gupta and Barua (2016) utilized the best-worst method to identify the factors that facilitate technological innovation in MSMEs. The results suggested that the ability to produce project reports and possess technical expertise among entrepreneurs, as well as the presence of supportive government policies and programs, are three crucial factors that facilitate the adoption of technology innovation in MSMEs. The study revealed that the various enablers are interconnected, implying that the attainment of one enabler necessitates the enterprise's focus on the other enablers.

Maiti and Kayal (2017) examined the effects of digitization on MSMEs. The findings indicated that the automation of product and process leads to enhanced performance of MSMEs. Digitization has the potential to address financial challenges by offering alternative funding mechanisms such as e-commerce, which can increase sales and subsequently augment funds, and crowd-funding.

Venkatesh and Kumari (2018) underscored digital transformation as a key driver for the expansion of SMEs. The paper examined the diverse components of the Digital India initiative that facilitate the expansion of SMEs. The ascendance of B2B e-commerce and governmental efforts to enhance the digital landscape for businesses were the primary trends impacting the MSMEs that were shaping the Digital India initiative.

Vivek and Chandrasekar (2019) discussed the challenges and opportunities prevailing in the MSME sector for digitalization. They suggested that the effective utilization of government schemes will help the enterprises in digitalization.

Arora and Rathi (2019) examined the incentives and obstacles encountered during the implementation of digitalization in the small and medium-sized manufacturing industry in India. The primary drivers for the implementation of digitalization were identified as profitability, competitiveness, and increased sales. Conversely, the primary obstacles impeding the process of digitalization were determined to be high costs, insufficient management support, and technological limitations.

Matt and Rauch (2020) examined the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the involvement of SMEs in digital transformation. They asserted that the implementation of Industry 4.0 poses a significant obstacle to large enterprises, therefore, the SMEs must prepare themselves to adopt these technologies expeditiously.

De Lucas Ancillo et al. (2022) identified significant obstacles that SMEs must surmount to participate in Industry 4.0. Through their analysis, the study identified the following primary categorization: The four main barriers that can impede the successful implementation of a given technology are: (1) technological barriers, (2) training barriers, (3) economic barriers, and (4) contextual barriers.

Objective
The primary objective of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it seeks to investigate the governmental initiatives aimed at promoting digital development within the MSME sector. Secondly, it aims to analyze the level of awareness among MSME entrepreneurs regarding the policy initiatives for digitalization by the government, while also identifying the barriers that impede this development.

Data and Methodology
The current study is a descriptive one and uses both primary and secondary data. The collection of secondary data was conducted through the utilization of Annual Reports issued by the Ministry of MSMEs, as well as various web portals affiliated with the said ministry. A questionnaire (see Appendix) was utilized to gather primary data. A random sample of 138 entrepreneurs from the MSME sector was obtained from the list of registered MSMEs in Delhi, which was sourced from the Directorate of Industries (National Capital Territory of Delhi). The survey instrument was developed through the utilization of relevant secondary data gathering and examination techniques. The study was conducted in November 2022.

Policy Initiatives to Support Digitalization of MSMEs
The MSME sector has been the recipient of government support through a range of policy initiatives and schemes, encompassing financial assistance, marketing assistance, infrastructure development, skill development, and technical assistance. The government is implementing a range of policies, support measures, programs, and institutions to expedite the process of digitalization among MSMEs. To mention a few: (1) The implementation of e-governance aims to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate prompt compliance with legal requirements for enterprises. There are various initiatives aimed at facilitating the digitalization of business processes for MSMEs. (2) The implementation of digitalization in financial assistance is aimed at promoting the use of digital payment methods. (3) The establishment of Information Exchange Portals is intended to enhance transparency and facilitate easy access to data. (4) The utilization of online selling and buying portals by MSMEs is expected to broaden their customer base. The promotion of digital literacy can be achieved through the establishment of training and development centers.

The following section presents a discussion of the diverse initiatives introduced by the Ministry of MSMEs.

Udyam
The ministry has implemented a new registration process called 'Udyam' on a portal developed by the ministry, which replaces the previous method of filing Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum. This new process is based on composite criteria for the classification of MSMEs. Entrepreneurs, both current and potential, are now able to submit their 'Udyam' Registration electronically via the following website: https://udyamregistration.gov.in. As of January 4, 2023, a total of 65, 23, 067 enterprises were categorized, comprising 36,75,597 registered under the manufacturing category and 94,18,101 registered under the service sector (Annual Report, 2023). The analysis indicates that the streamlining of the regulatory framework has had a positive impact on the MSMEs, as evidenced by the increasing number of registered enterprises. This development is expected to have significant advantages, including the provision of comprehensive sectoral trend information to policymakers and the facilitation of access to enterprise schemes.

Digital MSME
The Ministry of MSME initiated the Digital MSME Scheme on June 27, 2017, with the aim of promoting the adoption and utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the MSME sector. The objective of this program is to enhance the digital capabilities of MSMEs by integrating ICT tools and applications into their production and business processes. The initiative was introduced with the objective of offering financial assistance for the implementation of cloud computing in various domains such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Accounting, Manufacturing Design, and Regulatory Compliance, which encompasses the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The scheme underwent modifications in 2019. The guideline outlines several initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption of ICT among MSMEs. These initiatives include awareness programs and workshops to educate MSMEs on the benefits of ICT adoption, development of an e-platform, creation of software and apps, promotion of digital literacy, training for MSME officials, and assistance for IT infrastructure to agencies (Digital MSME, 2019). Presently, it has been incorporated as a constituent within the Champions Scheme.

Direct Benefit Transfer
The Digital Benefit Transfer (DBT) system involves the digitization of all welfare and subsidy programs with the aim of providing benefits in the form of cash or non-cash items directly to eligible recipients through the use of electronic modes such as PFMS (Figure 1). The implementation of digitalization for these programs and their recipients has the potential to expedite the delivery process, simplify procedures, and mitigate instances of fraudulent behavior.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
Launched in August 2016, GeM is an e-commerce platform designed to enable the digital procurement of goods and services by public sector entities such as ministries, departments, and undertakings. The primary aim of the GeM was to enhance the efficacy, lucidity, and expeditiousness of the procurement process in the public sector. The GeM platform provides buyers with the opportunity to exclusively choose MSMEs as their sellers. This feature aims to assist the sellers, including ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings, in enhancing their procurement from MSMEs and fulfilling their procurement policy obligations. The B2G platform offers MSMEs a chance to expand their business and increase their sales. According to the data available on the GeM portal, from the time of its launch until December 31, 2022, a total of 8,34,696 sellers and service providers have registered on the portal. Furthermore, orders valued around 55% of total procurement have been placed on the portal, with MSEs (Annual Report, 2023).

MSME Global Mart
The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) has launched the MSME Global Mart, an e-commerce portal that operates on a B2B model. The portal offers services to MSMEs through an annual membership, which enables them to establish a digital presence for their business. The platform provides MSMEs with an opportunity to showcase their products and services and connect with buyers and sellers worldwide.

MSME Sambandh
The Ministry of MSME initiated the launch of an information portal, MSME Sambandh, in August 2017. The portal was designed to facilitate public procurement process and the involvement of MSMEs in the procurement process. Additionally, it will enable the monitoring of the performance of ministries/departments and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in the implementation of the public procurement policy. This policy mandates that 25% of the total annual purchase of products and services must be sourced from MSMEs. The MSME Sambandh Portal has reported procurement worth 1,07,988.17 cr as of December 31, 2022 (Annual Report, 2023).

MSME Samadhan
In October 2017, the Ministry of MSMEs launched a portal called MSME Samadhan to address concerns pertaining to delayed payments to enterprises. The online portal enables enterprises to lodge grievances regarding delayed payment by MSE. According to the data presented on the Samadhan Portal, a total of 1,32,058 complaint applications have been submitted since October 2017, with a cumulative value of 33,519.44 cr. A total of 12,651 mutual settlements, valued at 1,702.13 cr, have been executed, while 29,489 cases, amounting to 6,440.77 cr, have been filed in the MSE Facilitation Council (MSEFC) (Annual Report, 2023)

MSME Sampark
In June 2018, the MSME Sampark job portal was launched to facilitate registration for both MSME technology center trainees who have completed their training and recruiters from national and multinational companies. The digital platform serves as a conduit for job seekers to secure employment opportunities and for recruiters to identify suitable candidates for employment. According to the data obtained from the portal on January 5, 2023, the portal currently contains a database of 4,80,511 trainees who have successfully completed their training programs and are seeking employment opportunities. Out of this number, 99,201 trainees have registered on the portal, while 6,469 recruiters have also registered to post job vacancies. To date, 49,415 resumes have been shared with recruiters, resulting in 33,593 job offers (Annual Report, 2023).

My MSME
The Office of Development Commissioner (MSME) has recently introduced a web-based application module called My MSME. The purpose of this module is to assist enterprises in accessing various schemes and reaping their benefits. The accessibility of this feature is also available through a mobile application. According to recent studies, it has been found that entrepreneurs have the ability to create and develop their own applications. The ability to track data on mobile devices is a crucial aspect of modern technology research (Annual Report, 2023).

In summary, in order to achieve comprehensive growth of a business, an entrepreneur necessitates prompt and precise information, streamlined regulatory processes, adequate financial resources, marketing support, proficiency, infrastructure, and access to a broad audience. Upon analyzing the aforementioned initiatives, it has been determined that the government has established measures aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of MSMEs. These measures include the provision of information, simplified registration processes, support in the development of ICT infrastructure, financial aid, assistance in meeting workforce demands, technical skill development, and marketing support. All of the initiatives are directed towards enhancing their technological proficiency. It has been observed that a significant proportion of MSMEs do not actively participate in or take advantage of the various initiatives available to them. There may be several factors contributing to the limited effectiveness of schemes targeting MSMEs, including the heterogeneous nature of this sector, which renders certain schemes unsuitable for certain businesses, as well as potential issues related to inadequate e-literacy among MSMEs.

Analysis and Interpretation of Survey Data
This section conducts a quantitative analysis of the MSME entrepreneurs' level of awareness regarding the government's initiatives for digital development. Additionally, it will examine the primary barriers that hinder this development. The statistical software package utilized for the purpose of data analysis was IBM SPSS 29. Table 2 shows the demographic and business profile of the respondents.

Data on awareness of the MSME entrepreneurs on various policy initiatives was analyzed by collecting responses for initiatives provided under the Ministry of MSME. Udyam has not been included in the questionnaire as all the respondents are registered MSMEs, so the need to check awareness about Udyam was not felt. The awareness for initiatives were measured on a three-point scale. The rationale behind choosing a three-point scale was to identify the intensity of awareness, and during pilot testing, it was found that the entrepreneurs, when given the option of Yes/No, choose yes even when they only know the name of the initiative and nothing more; so it became important to differentiate between the entrepreneurs having 'no, partial or full knowledge' about the initiative. Thus, we used a three-point scale to measure the intensity of awareness. Table 3 shows the level of awareness about the initiatives by calculating the mean value for frequency of each element.

According to the data, there appears to be a lack of awareness among entrepreneurs regarding the Digital MSME scheme which was introduced in 2017 with the aim of enhancing the utilization of ICT in the business processes of MSMEs. The entrepreneurial community exhibits the highest level of awareness towards the initiatives of GeM, MSME Mart, and MSME Samadhan. The rationale behind this is that both platforms are e-commerce marketplaces that offer MSMEs the chance to expand their market share by presenting their goods and services and enhancing their sales potential.

Subsequently, we gathered feedback pertaining to the obstacles hindering the expansion and advancement of the digital MSME industry. The group of entrepreneurs was requested to prioritize the obstacles that hinder the progress of the developmental procedure. The obstacles were identified via a comprehensive analysis of existing literature. The primary factors that hinder progress in this area include insufficient awareness and information, limited financial resources, inadequate skilled and competent personnel, insufficient government support, inadequate technological infrastructure, and a lack of e-literacy programs and training facilities. Table 4 shows the distribution of barriers.

According to the data, a significant proportion of respondents (31.88%) identified a lack of financial resources as the primary obstacle to the digitalization process. Many of the difficulties arise when there is a lack of financial resources to establish adequate organizational and technological infrastructure.

Small MSMEs often face financial constraints that limit their ability to undertake significant initiatives. Insufficient awareness and information pose a significant obstacle as individuals possess limited knowledge regarding government initiatives and policies, and encounter difficulties in obtaining timely and pertinent information that could prove beneficial.

Conclusion
The Government of India has implemented several policy initiatives to establish a digital environment conducive to the operations of MSMEs. The analysis of the schemes and policies indicates that the digitalization of MSMEs began approximately four to five years ago, albeit at a sluggish pace. However, it is currently gaining momentum. The implementation of the aforementioned policies has aided MSMEs and facilitated their transition towards digitalization. However, the sector is yet to experience significant growth. The incorporation of digital tools could serve as a driving force in transforming the conventional business framework into a cutting-edge and efficient model, enabling it to compete on a global scale in the digital arena. Despite the government's efforts to facilitate business operations, entrepreneurs have encountered challenges during the implementation phase. The process of digitalization plays a crucial role in elevating an enterprise to a higher level. Although MSMEs are adopting new methods of conducting business, their progress is hindered by their reliance on rudimentary technology. Entrepreneurs often lack the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to effectively implement emerging technologies. Therefore, it falls upon the government to assume the responsibility of providing support to facilitate progress.

The adoption of digital technology has the potential to address various business challenges and facilitate growth and expansion, thereby serving as a valuable asset for entrepreneurs. However, despite its benefits, some individuals remain uninformed about the significance of digital technology due to a lack of awareness and inadequate e-literacy. Therefore, it is imperative to implement e-literacy initiatives aimed at promoting awareness about digital technology and its significance in fostering business development, particularly at the grassroots level. The contemporary system requires the preservation of the competitiveness of domestic enterprises in the face of global enterprises, which is a significant concern for the government. This objective can be efficiently accomplished through the digitalization of the MSME sector.

Limitations and Future Scope: The aim was to enhance comprehension of digital adoption, particularly within the micro and small enterprise setting in India. The study exhibits certain constraints. It offers valuable perspectives exclusively on MSEs, albeit with a limited sample size. To enhance the generalizability of the study findings, it may be beneficial to expand the sample size and incorporate medium-sized enterprises into the research. Conducting industry-specific research can enable the identification and analysis of issues and characteristics that are unique to a particular industry. The identification of additional factors or challenges that impact technology adoption can be done. The inclusion of these variables can be tested on a larger sample size to enhance the validity of the findings.

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