Earlier this year, I had the honour of joining NK Singh, chairman of the 15th Finance Commission of India, on a panel discussion during the launch of our Dare2Dream Awards and Mentors of Global Bharat Programme. And his perspective on the importance of digitalisation in relation to India’s economic future resonated with me, especially when it comes to MSMEs growth.

“MSMEs are central to becoming a global player, and there is a big role for technology,” remarked Mr. Singh. “We need to enable the highest level of access to technology, reduce the cost of this access, and consider the degree which enables their linkages to other technologies. These require active support to inoculate the innovation culture in MSMEs.”

In line with Mr. Singh’s thoughts, “” needs to be empowered to help fulfil such national ambitions. While more than 6.3 crore MSMEs contribute aboutĚýĚýto the GDP, 600 large companies add approximately 48%. This means that at least 10,000 small and midsize companies need to become either midsize or large enterprises by 2030 to achieve such globally competitive dynamism – and this rapid scale can only be achieved with technology.

Global Competitiveness Begins with Innovation

SMEs are increasing their awareness of the power of technology as they digitalise their operations to optimise the benefits of government and industry measures. As a result, they are becoming self-reliant, future-ready, and bold in their global ambitions across three crucial aspects of their business.

1. Empower MSMEs to enter new Marketplaces

The pandemic has underscored how deeply interconnected businesses are – and this realisation couldn’t have happened at a better time. According toĚý, 62% of midsize organisations are looking to steadily grow by competing in new markets.

This rising trend is an exceptional opportunity for Indian MSMEs to expand, even during times of demand volatility. They can leverage better options for sourcing supplies, increasing manufacturing capacity, and addressing warehousing and logistics needs on a global scale. Furthermore, active participation in digital business networks allows them to introduce unique products, services, and connections to enterprises worldwide.

Mentorship and recognition programmes also play a key role as the Indian government encourages MSMEs to actively contribute to the global marketplace. Even ourĚýĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýĚýempower Indian businesses to nurture a self-actualisation model of professional and personal success – at the global stage.

2. Skilling the workforce on digital literacy

The skills of every employee are critical to a company’s success, no matter the industry. From automotive and manufacturing to high tech and customer services, organisations that fared best during this pandemic have addressed gaps in their workforce’s digital literacy as part of their overall business performance strategy.

To compete globally, MSMEs need aĚýĚýin digitally skilled workers by 2025. Such competencies include data analysis, cross-network collaboration, on-demand learning, and real-time response to operational change.

Considering half the population is below the age of 25, government agencies and industries understand the opportunity to nurture in-demand skills. For example, 51·çÁ÷India and Microsoft have a joint initiative, theĚýTechSakshamĚýprogramme, to offer training and learning opportunities to young women from underserved communities, so they can build careers in technology.

3. Transforming businesses digitally and moving to the cloud

When Indian society reopens, businesses across all industries will need to quickly pivot from surviving to thriving in an increasingly digital world. And it seems that MSMEs are getting the message:ĚýĚýreported that 82% of businesses with annual revenue less than â‚ą 300 crore have digitalised their daily operations, reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness.

Perhaps more interesting is that India is adopting cloud-based ERP solutions at a higher rate than the rest of the Asia-Pacific and Japan. All this activity builds the foundation MSMEs need to help achieve India’s aspiration to become a global leader in terms of GDP contribution and employment generation. AĚýĚýsuggests that SMEs can contribute up to 30% of the cloud market by 2025 and drive 25%–30% higher productivity and 15%–20% lower operational costs to the country’s GDP.

An Ecosystem for Globally Competitive Businesses

India’s economic policy of Atmanirbhar BharatĚýinspires MSMEs to be globally competitive by creating an ecosystem that unites policy makers, industries, and technologies. With the continuous support of a forward-looking government administration, companies can affordably access theĚýĚýnecessary to move forward.

With their contribution to the economy and employment they create, MSMEs are becoming a bedrock for the Indian economy, which is an immense opportunity for empowering our nation as a globally competitive player.

Ready to renew your sense of resilience? Read the IDC paper, “,” sponsored by SAP, for additional insights on the road ahead.

Source:

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After the stupendous success of Leaders of Global Bharat series that aimed at empowering Indian SMEs hit hard by pandemic induced lockdowns last year, TV9 Network and 51·çÁ÷India have again joined hands to forge two pioneering initiatives to help homegrown businesses rise and shine in enabling an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

With the objective to engage our business heroes from SMEs in more meaningful pursuits to inspire a whole new generation to take on the mantle of entrepreneurship and also acknowledge their contribution to India’s growth, 51·çÁ÷India and TV9 Network announced the launch of Mentors of Global Bharat series and Dare2Dream Awards 2021.

While looks at connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry leaders, looks at recognizing businesspersons who had the vision, determination and grit to not only tide over the crisis but also reset their business models.

These two ambitious programmes were announced at the Enabling Atmanirbhar Bharat forum, which saw participation from technology thought leaders, eminent policymakers and business stalwarts.

Commenting on the programme, Mr. Paul Marriott, President, 51·çÁ÷Asia Pacific Japan, said: “We have seen unprecedented adverse impact of the pandemic on business and economy – with supply chains being disrupted and demand drying up. There is no playbook or prescription that can guide businesses to emerge from such impact and resurrect themselves rapidly.

“In the many interactions that we have had with our SME customers we realized that many entrepreneurs felt the need to interact with mentors who have successfully traversed the same path before. Peer to peer learning and recognition of digital led innovation are both very important in these times and any platform that facilitates these, is a step in the right direction.”

On SAP’s constant endeavour to empower homegrown businesses, Mr. Kulmeet Bawa, President and MD, 51·çÁ÷Indian subcontinent, said: “Our Global Bharat program was introduced to support MSMEs last year. Taking this program forward, we are today launching these two pioneering initiatives.”

“While the Mentors of Global Bharat programme is designed to help SME entrepreneurs to learn and get inspired by industry leaders and peers who have successfully navigated the new normal, the Dare2Dream Awards series was established to recognize visionaries in the SME sector who have demonstrated innovation and digital mindset and create business impact in adverse times,” Bawa added.

Terming it one of the most required programmes aimed at helping entrepreneurs, Subramanian Ananthapadmanabhan, Vice President, Midmarket, 51·çÁ÷India, said: “Whether one is just starting out or looking to improve their SME’s quality and turnover, it can be hard to know what direction to go next and it’s completely normal. No business owner knows everything at the start. That’s part of the reason why being mentored as a business owner is such a brilliant idea.”

The series was launched in Enabling Atmanirbhar Bharat forum which saw participation from eminent policymakers Mr. NK Singh, Chairman of the 15^th Finance Commission; Dr Arvind Virmani, noted economist and former chief economic advisor; and SIDBI Chairman Mr. Sivasubramanian Ramann.

Speaking on the role of MSMEs in enabling an Atmanirbhar Bharat, Mr. NK Singh said: “It’s a force multiplier. India’s quest for becoming a $5tn economy and more rests majorly on the SME sector. The quest for generating gainful employment is also primarily dependent on how we provide fillip to the small and medium businesses. I regard our homegrown businesses central to India’s quest for increasing productivity and efficiency and also emerge as a leading global player.”

Former chief economic advisor Dr. Arvind Virmani said: “We must ensure that there is a level playing for our SMEs. The taxation reforms for new manufacturing enterprises is a welcome step. SMEs are critical to India’s inclusive growth and to ensure that as a country we sustain a growth momentum for the next 30 years. Corporations like 51·çÁ÷will drive productivity to make SMEs successful.”

“We are happy to extend our partnership with 51·çÁ÷India in enabling and empowering India’s homegrown businesses. Last year Leaders of Global Bharat series received an overwhelming response which gives us immense confidence that these two unique initiatives this year will set new benchmarks”, said Raktim Das, Chief Growth Officer (Television & Digital), TV9 Network on their association with 51·çÁ÷in this journey.

Mentors of Global Bharat got a shot in the arm with Sanjay Aggarwal, Chairman and CEO, Paramount Cables and Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director Insecticides (India) Ltd who joined as mentors for the initiative. They also lauded the objective behind the mentorship programme. More industry leaders will be joining as Mentors of Global Bharat in the coming weeks.

Watch the or logon to Growth Matters Forum – ‘s to know more participating in the programs

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National, India — December 23, 2020 —Government of Telangana signed an MoU today with 51·çÁ÷India to digitize and empower MSMEs in the state by equipping them with digital skilling and technologies. The program will work towards promoting entrepreneurship for the MSMEs sector, by providing them with access to the global marketplace, digital skilling for the workforce and access to affordable enterprise technology.

“We are very happy to collaborate with a global technology player such as 51·çÁ÷to bring their marketplace, skilling and ERP solutions to Telangana for the benefit of our local MSMEs.”Ěý said Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana. “Industry-Govt partnership is the way forward.”

With a continued focus on industrial growth especially amongst emerging businesses, the Government of Telangana has been leveraging technology for sustainable economic growth and inclusive social development. Given the current business scenario and state of economies, this association will enable state MSMEs to become future-ready while driving greater efficiencies. The partnership will help them with-

• Access to Global Marketplace: They will have open access to 51·çÁ÷Ariba Discovery where any buyer can post sourcing needs and any of the four million suppliers on Ariba Network can respond with their ability to deliver the goods and services required. By accessing the 51·çÁ÷Ariba Discovery offer, Telangana MSMEs can enroll themselves as suppliers and access a global customer market.
• Digital Skilling: The MSMEs will also be provided accessibility to 240 courses, under 51·çÁ÷India’s Golden Peacock Award winning digital skilling initiative – Code Unnati. The focus of these courses would be Digital Financial, Soft Skills and Productivity Technologies that will digitally skill the workforce and help them adapt to the new working environments. The curated courses will be made available through a mobile application for people to access via their android smartphone devices
• Digital Transformation: They will be provided with affordable and accessible enterprise technology. With the help of Bharat ERP initiative, they will be able to adopt SAP’s world-class ERP; Business One Starter Pack on the cloud.

“51·çÁ÷is committed to align with the nation’s digital agenda by supporting MSMEs with the best suite of solutions to embrace innovation & and make them globally competitive,” said Kulmeet Bawa, President and MD, 51·çÁ÷Indian Subcontinent. “We are delighted to collaborate with the Government of Telangana to bolster this sector for their overall growth and development of the economy,” he added.

MSMEs can access these offerings under the Global Bharat program at

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Given the current business environment and state of economies, Global Bharat will enable Indian MSMEs to become future-ready while driving greater efficiencies by adopting these 3 initiatives:

• Gaining Access to Global Marketplace: MSMEs will have open access to where any buyer can post sourcing needs and any of the four million suppliers on can respond with their ability to deliver the goods and services required with no fees through December 31, 2020. Ariba Network is the largest digital B2B marketplace where more than USD $3.3 trillion in global commerce flows annually. By accessing the 51·çÁ÷Ariba Discovery offer, Indian MSMEs can enroll themselves as suppliers and access a global customer market.

• Digitally Skilling Workforce: Business owners will have access to 51·çÁ÷India’s Code Unnati, a coveted Golden Peacock Award winning digital skilling initiative. MSMEs will be provided accessibility to 240 courses (more getting added in a few months) on Digital Financial, Soft Skills, Productivity Technologies that will digitally skill the workforce and adapt to the new working environments. The curated courses will be made available through a mobile application for people to access via their android smartphone devices. Under this digital literacy program, 51·çÁ÷India has already trained over 1 million youth with the help of 1500 physical training centers

• Digitally Transform Businesses: Global Bharat brings affordable and accessible enterprise technology for MSMEs. Through Bharat ERP initiative, they can now adopt SAP’s world class ERP; Business One Starter Pack on the cloud. We understand from SAP’s partner ecosystem that they will make available this cloud offering for Rs 3999 per user per month with accessibility for maximum of 5 users per MSME. This Digital transformation will enhance efficiencies for businesses while enabling them to provide better products and services to their customers.

Speaking about the program, Deb Deep Sengupta, President and Managing Director, 51·çÁ÷Indian Subcontinent said, “The impact of pandemic on economy and businesses has been felt majorly by MSMEs across the country. Being a potential contributor to India’s GDP (29%) and providing employment to over 111 million people, it is imperative to strengthen the sector for the revival of the country’s economy. Global Bharat, is our endeavor to enable MSMEs to augment business operations and re-access critical processes that overcome inefficiencies and make them globally competitive.”

Subramanian Ananthapadmanabhan, Vice President and Head of General Business, 51·çÁ÷Indian Subcontinent further states, “80% of SAP’s customer base are SMEs that have adopted digital technologies and witnessed exponential growth. As India opens up to a post-COVID business landscape, we are excited to partner with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises on their digital journeys and support them with technologies and skills necessary to gain scale and compete in the new environment.”

MSMEs can access these offerings under the Global Bharat program at

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