Article: Inclusion, access and accumulation: a study of informal enterprises in India Journal: International Journal of Business Excellence (IJBEX) 2025 Vol.37 No.6 pp.1 - 27 Abstract: This study examines the facets of SDG 8 by assessing the socio-economic access accessible to informal companies in India. The research is founded on the theory of access articulated by Ribot and Peluso (2003). It examines access to credit, institutions, technology, workforce, regional development, and access via social identities by Indian informal firms to assess the inclusive growth of small Indian businesses. We utilised data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) regarding the economic characteristics of informal enterprises in India. The quantile regression model was the most effective instrument for analysing the impact of explanatory factors across various degrees of capital accumulation. Our findings indicate that access to capital, institutions, technology, labour, and regional development favourably impacts the growth of informal companies and fosters inclusive growth in India. Nonetheless, access through identities related to gender and social background remains a significant issue that necessitates a focused and comprehensive policy response. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Inclusion, access and accumulation: a study of informal enterprises in India

Authors: Dinesh Rajput; Binilkumar Amarayil Sreeraman

Addresses: Department of Finance & Economics, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai, Vihar Lake, Mumbai, 400087, India ' Department of Finance & Economics, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai, Vihar Lake, Mumbai, 400087, India

Abstract: This study examines the facets of SDG 8 by assessing the socio-economic access accessible to informal companies in India. The research is founded on the theory of access articulated by Ribot and Peluso (2003). It examines access to credit, institutions, technology, workforce, regional development, and access via social identities by Indian informal firms to assess the inclusive growth of small Indian businesses. We utilised data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) regarding the economic characteristics of informal enterprises in India. The quantile regression model was the most effective instrument for analysing the impact of explanatory factors across various degrees of capital accumulation. Our findings indicate that access to capital, institutions, technology, labour, and regional development favourably impacts the growth of informal companies and fosters inclusive growth in India. Nonetheless, access through identities related to gender and social background remains a significant issue that necessitates a focused and comprehensive policy response.

Keywords: capital accumulation; theory of access; Sustainable Development Goal; inclusive growth; women entrepreneurship; small business; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2025.150360

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2025 Vol.37 No.6, pp.1 - 27

Received: 24 Aug 2025
Accepted: 20 Oct 2025
Published online: 10 Dec 2025 *

Title: Inclusion, access and accumulation: a study of informal enterprises in India

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