At the end of 2020, we conducted a study to understand the impact of technology on Indian retail in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The culmination of this study has been published in the form of a book titled “The Future of Indian Retail: Stories from the Ground”.
The study documented the experiences of a diverse group of two dozen proprietors of small and medium enterprises that represent the domestic retail market. The book showcases these voices from the ground through their experiences of interaction with technology. More specifically, it provides perspective on how digital adoption helped sustain some segments of Indian retail and brought the country closer to the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, even amidst a crippling public health crisis.
The real-life stories documented in this publication highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity with which small entities tackled a fundamental disruption in their business due to the pandemic and the ensuing nationwide lockdown.
At the same time, the book provides valuable insights into the constraints that small enterprises face while adopting digital solutions. As we move towards the digital transformation of industry, dubbed ‘Industry 4.0’, it will be important for policymakers, business forums and industry associations to work together to overcome these challenges. For example, the improvement of underlying infrastructure and logistics mechanisms will require sustained and targeted investment. Similarly, business owners and employees will require skill and capacity building to effectively integrate digital solution into their operations.
Attribution: Esya Centre. The Future of Indian Retail: Stories from the Ground. New Delhi: Esya Centre, 2021.