Category: MSME

  • Small Businesses and U.S. Export Growth: Between Resilience and Structural Shifts

    The Unsung Backbone The story of U.S. exports is not only about global corporations but also about the vast network of small businesses that quietly fuel America’s trade engine. Nearly 97% of U.S. exporters are small firms, and their contribution extends beyond numbers—they embody productivity, resilience, and innovation. Historically, American…

  • The Myth of Long Working Hours: Understanding the Reality of Informal Workers in Industrial Clusters

    Long working hours have often been associated with increased productivity and economic growth. However, the reality of this notion is much more complex, particularly in the informal sector, where workers endure extended shifts without adequate compensation or social security. During my working in different industrial clusters, I observed that workers…

  • Transformation in India’s Textile Clusters

    Introduction: Clusters and the Drive Towards Sustainability India’s economic landscape is intricately woven with specialized industrial clusters, each contributing uniquely to the country’s economic growth. Among them, the textile industry holds a significant place, driven by over 70 specialized textile clusters across the nation. These clusters not only generate employment…

  • Revisiting MSME Classification in India: Who Really Benefits from the Revised Definition?

    The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is pivotal to India’s economic framework, representing a vast majority of businesses and contributing significantly to employment and GDP. In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government announced substantial revisions to the MSME classification criteria, aiming to foster growth and enhance access to…

  • Role of Government Policies in Industrial Cluster Development

    Industrial cluster development is a strategic approach to fostering economic growth at the grassroots by leveraging the synergy of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) concentrated in specific geographic areas. These clusters play a critical role in regional development by enhancing productivity, innovation, and employment. Government policies can make or break…

  • Understanding Industrial Clusters

    Micro-level clusters are a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of regional economic development, playing a vital role in fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and driving sustainable growth. These clusters refer to geographically concentrated groups of interconnected businesses, suppliers, and institutions within a specific industry or sector. Understanding their dynamics is key…

  • A New Wave of Thinking: Can MSMEs in India Tap Into the Capital Market to Reduce Borrowing Costs?

    In India, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have long been regarded as the backbone of the economy, contributing nearly 30% of the country’s GDP and providing employment to millions of people. Despite their economic significance, one of the key challenges these enterprises face is access to affordable credit. Traditionally,…

  • Why should Small Businesses get Digitally Empowered?

    Introduction In today’s digital age, the adoption of technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate. One significant aspect of this transformation is the accessibility of products and services. Unlike a decade ago, when reaching target audiences required considerable resources and expensive distribution channels, businesses can now connect with customers worldwide.…

  • Early Fruits of PLI Scheme

    Introduction The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in India has emerged as a game-changer, promoting growth and innovation in various sectors of the economy. Aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing imports, the scheme provides financial incentives to eligible firms on incremental sales for a five-year period. With its emphasis…

  • Time to have Centre for Excellence for Indian MSMEs

    Introduction: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment generation and economic growth. However, these enterprises often face challenges such as limited access to finance, technology adoption, market access, and skill development. The existing dispensation like MSME-DI DICs failed to address…