Micro and Small Enterprises Under Globalization: The Experience of Kerala, India

Book ID: ISED-053

Book Type: Paperback

Description

This publication falls under the 'Research Reports' Series of the Institute. The purpose of the Series is to bring to the public domain, the findings and recommendations of the Institute's research work, both commissioned studies, and of those belonging to the core research of the ISED. This report is based on a study sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research. Overview While there are several " development studies" on Kerala, issues on sustainable enterprise enterprise development, and investment promotion have not gained adequate attention. Despite a large number of public programs that are being implemented, their relevance still remain a question mark, considering the actual needs of the State. The so-called 'Kerala Model of development', irrespective of its negatives, is a reality that need to be reckoned.. The hegemony of the services sector need to be spelled out in such a way that, the services themselves create backward linkages with manufacturing. Thus, this study advocates a 'service enclave' manufacturing model for the State. Hence the focus need to be on the value added services. Where the service sector is relatively low-value adding, and the manufacturing sector is practically very weak, the conventional development approaches are likely to lead to relatively poor results. Therefore, this study advocates an 'enterprises ecosystem approach' for the whole of Kerala. This approach will be helpful in arriving at new 'ecosystem financing' models that are relevant to the context. Departing from the beaten track,more action-oriented research programs are needed.