Opinion| India’s policy plans could hold back its digital startups
Policymaking should follow a consultative model that ensures wide representation of interests.For many Indian start-ups, their proprietary technology is their key competitive advantage
- Yet other policy measures by the Indian government are shortsighted and may undercut India's startups before they can prosper-particularly in digital technology where India's entrepreneurs can "go global" very quickly.
- These proposals contain harmful provisions that could hurt Indian entrepreneurs in digital technology ventures.
- Similarly, restrictions on cross-border data flows as envisioned in the draft e-commerce policy means businesses, both in India and abroad, won't be permitted to leverage distributed systems and operate at scale.
- What's more, additional costs have the potential to create additional barriers to entry and would favour a few well-established players over small businesses.
- Yet beyond physical spaces and support systems, the policy ecosystem must also be shaped to encourage risk-taking, innovation and growth.