Digital Transformation Maturity and Performance Outcomes in Indian MSMEs: A Technology-Organisation-Environment Framework Analysis
Author(s): Ramesh Iyer, Shalini Verma, Narayanan Gopalakrishnan
Affiliation: Department of Strategy and Innovation, XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India, Department of Information Systems, Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Page No: 61-64-
Volume issue & Publishing Year: Volume 3, Issue 3, 2026/03/17
Journal: International Journal of Modern Engineering and Management | IJMEM
ISSN NO: 3048-8230
DOI:
Abstract:
Digital transformation among Indian MSMEs has accelerated dramatically since COVID-19, yet aggregate data mask substantial heterogeneity in transformation depth, quality, and performance outcomes. This study examines digital transformation maturity and its performance consequences across 487 MSME-sector firms across six states (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka), using the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework with a novel Digital Transformation Maturity Index (DTMI) updated to reflect 2024-25 ecosystem developments — including ONDC scaling to 10+ lakh sellers, GeM procurement crossing Rs. 4.5 lakh crore in FY2024-25, and RBI's digital lending framework normalising embedded credit for supply chain participants. SEM analysis identifies technology readiness (β=0.46), owner-manager digital literacy (β=0.41), and digital financing ecosystem access (β=0.33) as the strongest TOE antecedents. Only 21.4% of sample MSMEs have achieved Stage 3+ digital maturity, with Gujarat highest (39%) and Rajasthan lowest (14%). Stage 4-5 firms achieve 26.1% revenue CAGR (2021-2025) versus Stage 1 firms' 6.8%, with the gap widening as platform economics accelerate the structural disadvantage of digital laggards. AI-tool adoption — ChatGPT-based customer service, Zoho AI-integrated ERP, and WhatsApp Business API for commerce — emerges as a new Stage 5 differentiator not captured in prior DTMI frameworks.
Keywords:
digital transformation, MSME, DTMI, TOE framework, ONDC, GeM, AI adoption, digital lending, India 2025, owner-manager digital literacy
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