Does access to digital technologies enhance women-ownership of SMEs in India? Evidence from sub-urban regions in Karnataka

Digital technologies such as payment systems, digital finance, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet are transforming businesses by generating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Digitalization impacts productivity, competition, employment, and governance (Bukht and Heeks, 2017). It is argued that technology alone cannot lead to economic development unless technological breakthroughs are put to economic use by entrepreneurs (Chakraborty and Mukherjee, 2020). The Indian economy is experiencing a fast digital revolution, providing huge business opportunities across many sectors such as e-commerce, automotive, health care, and finance. Digitalization provides a boost to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector by easing the financing and distribution process, providing access to markets, and facilitating networking opportunities. In recent years, the country has experienced a fast digital revolution due to several government policies such as Digital India, Digital MSME, Make in India, Skill India, and Start-Up India. Thus, the share of the MSME sector in GDP has increased from 27 percent to 30 percent in the last few years.