Boosting digital adoption of MSMEs
Helping MSMEs go digital faster: we engage them through a digital hub, track their progress, offer R&D support and build a strong community.
Dear Readers
Happy to introduce TSI Coop, my new Section 8 Non-Profit initiative dedicated to improving the digital adoption of Indian MSMEs.
‘TSI’ stands for Technology & Social Impact. 'Coop' embodies the spirit of a cooperative economic model, where smaller providers and MSMEs collectively drive digital adoption within the ecosystem, fostering shared growth and opportunity.
TSI Tech Solutions Cooperative Foundation (TSI Coop) aims to address critical gaps in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem by enabling businesses to implement successful technology strategies with the help of niche local providers. Our mission also focuses on creating sustainable pathways for graduates from Tier 3 and Tier 4 institutions, while fostering a more equitable and efficient domestic IT supply chain.
Today, the Indian IT machinery prioritises foreign markets, GCCs, high-profile startups and large enterprises; MSMEs are underserved. Despite the government's Digital MSME scheme and other initiatives, there are gaps in the digital adoption. We aim to unlock their potential via the offerings below..
MSME Tech Hub
One primary problem we are attempting to solve as part of the foundation is getting different groups in the MSME tech world to connect and work together. Right now, it's often hard for these groups to find each other and communicate easily.
We are soft-launching TSI Digital Hub today, which solves this by giving them one place to discover solutions, services, training, and people and to talk to each other. This helps businesses find the tech they need, and it helps tech providers and trainers find customers.
The hub lets people ask questions, get proposals, share feedback, post jobs, and learn from experts. It also tries to show each person what's most useful to them and lets them keep their information private if they want. Key features below
For Businesses:
Discover tech solutions, services, training, and talent.
Engage via Enquiries and RFPs
Get tailored recommendations
Access Advisory Content
For Tech Providers:
Discover new business opportunities.
Engage with potential clients through webinars & technical posts.
Showcase your expertise to the right audience.
Find suitable tech talent.
For Training Partners:
Discover businesses and professionals seeking training.
Understand industry trends
Promote training programs and courses
For Tech Professionals:
Find job opportunities with local businesses and tech providers.
Connect with skill development and training partners.
Access technical articles and reviews to enhance skills.
Tech R&D for MSME Ecosystem
Enabler R&D is a key initiative that we believe will provide our MSMEs with sustained long-term success. We are committed to empowering our ecosystem through strategic grants, focusing on several crucial pillars.
This Enabler R&D approach allows us to roll out Pilot Projects and Subsidised Services, encouraging adoption and, crucially, building the enduring trust necessary for our MSMEs to confidently step into the digital realm.
Furthermore, we are making powerful tools accessible by leveraging Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) solutions and providing clear Open API Specifications, enabling seamless integration and continuous innovation. We are developing robust Diagnostic Toolkits and delivering comprehensive Foundational Training Programs.
By providing direct access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge, we hope to reduce the financial burden and technical barriers that often hinder digital adoption. Our effort should enable MSMEs to optimise operations, expand their market reach, and enhance customer engagement.
Ratings for MSMEs and local providers
It's often hard for Indian MSMEs and local service providers to know how well they're truly doing with digital tools or to understand their digital strengths and weaknesses compared to others. This is where TSI Ratings & TSI Index come in.
TSI Ratings helps assess the digital maturity of MSMEs and the capability maturity of service providers. It's a simpler version of standard digital and capability maturity assessments, custom-made for the MSME ecosystem and local service providers.
The TSI Index, on the other hand, acts like a socio-economic scoreboard. It aims to benchmark the overall digital adoption and capability across the entire MSME ecosystem.
The TSI Coop Foundation aspires to become a BIS-recognised Standards Development Organisation (SDO) in the MSME digital adoption space. We want to define these standards, with assessments facilitated by consulting partners. Together, TSI Ratings and TSI Index can provide a clear picture of digital progress, helping all stakeholders identify areas for improvement and fostering growth within the MSME world.
Community Outreach
At TSI Coop Foundation, we're building a thriving digital ecosystem for MSMEs, and our Community Outreach Program is at the heart of this effort.
We offer comprehensive consultations on digital strategy to help businesses align their goals with well-designed solutions, covering everything from App Strategy and Data Strategy to AI Strategy and Security Design. Beyond that, we're committed to understanding the unique needs of our MSMEs through deep-dive surveys, focus groups, and interviews, ensuring our support is always tailored and effective.
We're actively mapping small tech providers to connect MSMEs with trusted local expertise, and we're engaging with young professionals from local educational institutions to build a future-ready workforce. By forging strong partnerships with industry associations, trade bodies, and chambers of commerce, we're leveraging existing networks to expand our reach and impact.
This program isn't just about offering services; it's about weaving a strong fabric of support and connection, ensuring every MSME in our community has the resources and partnerships they need to thrive in the next internet wave.
A foundation for decentralised digital growth
For communities to flourish, we need systems that prioritise the well-being of the many over the indulgence of the few. It demands technology that creates opportunity, reduces friction, and empowers individuals and smaller organisations.
TSI Coop operates as a Section 8 non-profit organisation focused on social impact. This structure allows us to:
Prioritise community well-being over profit
Create truly level playing fields for all participants
Enable voluntary exchange without preferential treatment
Foster trust through transparent operations and governance
To reiterate, we are building a socio-economic system that strengthens local capacities, creates jobs and reduces inequality in the domestic IT supply chain. Our governance protocol provides an unalterable framework that distributes power to the edges of the system, mirroring the set-in-stone nature of core internet TCP/IP protocols.
Our Core Principles
Member-Funded & Grant-Sustained: We're powered by member donations and grants, ensuring our independence and focus on the collective good of the MSME ecosystem.
Inclusive Service: Our offerings are designed to benefit all members, fostering widespread digital adoption.
Data Privacy: Protecting member data is paramount in all our operations.
Lean Stewardship: We commit to efficient and responsible resource management.
Constructive Community Dialogue: Open discussion and collaboration are at the heart of our progress.
Mission Preservation: Our efforts consistently align with our foundational goal: accelerating the digital transformation of MSMEs