ET World MSME Day 2025: Driving innovation, impact, and intelligence
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the backbone of India's economic growth, have played a crucial role in fostering innovation, economic, and sustainable developments across the country. The
MSME
sector, comprising over 63 million entities and accounting for more than 45% of India's total exports, has been a pivotal force in the country's rapid development.
The theme of
ET World MSME Day
2025 is 'Innovation, Impact and Intelligence', which aims to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of the Indian MSME industry in fostering positive transformation in India's economic growth.
Intelligence
The MSMEs in India are resilient and versatile. They have evolved and thrived with time. MSMEs are quickly adapting to technological change, keeping themselves abreast of intelligence. A survey conducted by the Ministry of MSMEs reveals that more than 45% of MSMEs in the country have integrated some form of artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. Additionally, there is a growing interest among these SMEs in addressing their issues, such as autonomous operations, digital transformation, data-driven decision making, using
AI
.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Today, small businesses are smarter than ever. They are heavily leveraging tools like AI, analytics, and digital platforms to streamline their business, get a better understanding of customer behaviour and foster growth.
Apart from leveraging these tools, many MSMEs are adopting technology-driven solutions and creating businesses in areas such as SaaS, cybersecurity, agri-tech, software development, digital transformation, etc. Their contribution to the services industry and exports has resulted in a notable increase in India's overall services sector.
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Innovation
MSMEs in India have been quintessential innovation engines. They have quickly adapted to market demand, often bringing their own customised solutions as well as pivoting to cater to a changing world. Their improvisation techniques, or 'jugaad,' have made them resilient and self-sufficient.
They often work in clusters, which enables them to share knowledge, capabilities, and resources to innovate and optimise their performance.
From financing solutions to providing tailor-made products in niche markets, innovations by Indian MSMEs are a result of their agile thinking and adaptability.
Impact
The MSME sector in India is a huge enabler of employment, sustainability, social responsibility, and local economic development. Their operations and efforts in Bharat and the hinterlands have led to massive job creation at the community level.
The self-help groups in rural India are responsible for driving financial empowerment and improving livelihoods in the community. They have also led to the sustainable development of villages.
Similarly, many MSMEs today operate businesses that provide solutions for pollution control, waste management, and recycling while also making efforts to mitigate climate change.
On the occasion of World MSME Day, ET Digital is coming back with its sixth edition of ET MSME Awards 2025. The coveted awards programme celebrating India's top MSMEs will begin its registration on June 27, 2025.
The ET World MSME Day 2025 is being conducted by Economictimes.com with the New India Assurance as General (Non-Life) Insurance Partner
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