Exploring Innovative Frontiers: Digital Public Infrastructure and Multimodal Connectivity as Catalysts for MSME Supply Chain Transformation in India

India’s industrial transformation is being rapidly reshaped by the rise of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which integrates platforms such as ONDC, OCEN, UPI, and Gati Shakti to create transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven ecosystems. This paper critically examines how DPI strengthens supply chain dynamics for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women and specially-abled entrepreneurs, by addressing challenges of digital access, financing, and multimodal connectivity. The research highlights that while India has made significant progress in building interoperable platforms, the adoption and integration of these systems across fragmented MSME clusters remain uneven. By synthesizing insights from existing literature and policy reports, the paper underscores the transformative potential of ONDC in democratizing e-commerce, OCEN in improving credit access, and Gati Shakti in enhancing logistics efficiency. The findings suggest that DPI does not function merely as a set of technological tools but as an institutional framework that redefines market entry, competitiveness, and resilience. However, barriers such as limited digital literacy, infrastructural gaps in rural areas, and concerns over data security continue to constrain full-scale adoption. The study also emphasizes the need for capacity building, robust governance frameworks, and collaborative approaches involving policymakers, private players, and grassroots stakeholders to ensure that MSMEs can leverage DPI effectively. Ultimately, the paper positions DPI as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable industrial growth in India, capable of bridging structural divides while fostering innovation and competitiveness. The discussion aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, underscoring how DPI-led supply chain transformation can accelerate India’s transition into a global economic hub.

Digital Public Infrastructure, MSMEs, Supply Chain Transformation, ONDC

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