New Delhi [India]: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India’s economy but face significant regulatory and operational challenges, said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, at a launch event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.
He highlighted that MSMEs cannot thrive in isolation and must be supported collectively through clusters and groups. “Today’s medium enterprises will be the large enterprises of tomorrow. The government must assist them in growing from micro to small, small to medium, and eventually to large enterprises,” he said.
Key Challenges for MSMEs
🔹 Technology Upgradation – Adoption of new and advanced manufacturing techniques.
🔹 Skilled Workforce – The need for better training and education programs.
🔹 Quality Certifications – Improving compliance with global standards for competitiveness.
“India cannot become a developed nation unless it raises its standards and manufacturing systems across industries. Education, skills, and MSMEs are the two most critical sectors for our journey towards a Viksit Bharat (Developed India),” Subrahmanyam emphasized.
Launch of Dx-EDGE: Digital Excellence for MSMEs
To empower MSMEs with digital tools, knowledge, and an enabling ecosystem, Subrahmanyam launched Dx-EDGE, a national initiative led by CII, NITI Frontier Tech Hub (NITI FTH), and AICTE.
📌 What is Dx-EDGE?
✅ A digital transformation initiative for MSMEs
✅ Helps MSMEs build business and digital capabilities
✅ Facilitates access to affordable technology
✅ Promotes collaboration between MSMEs, academia, and tech solution providers
✅ Integrates MSMEs into the global value chain
💡 “This initiative will create a nationwide network of digital transformation centers, democratizing access to technology and skills. It is a significant leap towards making MSMEs globally competitive and achieving the Viksit Bharat vision,” said BVR Subrahmanyam.
Government & Industry Leaders Speak on MSME Growth
🚀 SCL Das, Secretary, MSME Ministry:
🔹 Frontier tech and digitalization are now survival necessities for MSMEs amid global challenges.
🔹 The government is actively providing enabling policies for MSMEs to drive domestic growth, exports, climate adaptability, and resilience.
🔹 Dx-EDGE, built on a Public-Private-Academia Partnership (PPAP), is a key step in the right direction.
💻 Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog & Chief Architect, NITI FTH:
🔹 “Digital adoption is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for future-proofing MSMEs.”
🔹 Dx-EDGE will enable MSMEs to embrace technology, strengthen resilience, and thrive in a digital economy.
🎓 Prof. TG Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE:
🔹 Job creation is crucial as more youth enter the workforce.
🔹 India must leverage its strengths in STEM and engineering education to support MSME growth.
🏭 Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII:
🔹 “MSMEs are crucial for India’s economic growth, and Dx-EDGE will bridge the technology adoption gap in the sector.”
The Road Ahead for MSMEs
The Dx-EDGE initiative will play a pivotal role in helping MSMEs scale up, digitize, and compete on a global level. With strong government backing, industry collaboration, and digital innovation, MSMEs can drive India’s economic transformation and contribute significantly to Viksit Bharat.