Title: MSME initiatives to support cloud adoption in India

Authors: Jayalaxmi P. Shetty; Dibyendu Choudhury; Rajesh Panda

Addresses: Management Faculty, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Mulshi Taluk, Pune, Maharashtra, 412115, India ' SEIC, National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Yousufguda, Hyderabad, 500045, India ' Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, A Constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560100, India

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to determine how effectively Digital-MSME can be implemented with the help of Digital India program and outline recommendations for its successful implementation to support cloud adoption in Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Using case research approach by theory elaboration method, the authors modify the general theoretical framework and validate it empirically through eight depth interviews with senior ministry officials, cloud service providers and industry peers. The analysis sheds light on well-designed policies and shows Digital India program as a positive platform for bridging the generation and the diffusion side of initiatives. The findings have added a dimension of nodal points for the benefit of stakeholders to optimise cloud implementation. The paper prompts technical diffusion both in individuals and in businesses. Value is added in linking the generation side of policies with that of diffusion through participatory governance and participatory citizenry.

Keywords: Digital-MSME; Digital India; cloud computing; communication technologies; SME clusters; participatory governance; participatory citizenry; national policies; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2020.109751

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2020 Vol.21 No.2, pp.225 - 246

Received: 29 Apr 2019
Accepted: 15 Jun 2019
Published online: 22 Sep 2020 *

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