As part of Digital Green, we are holding Regional Consultations on different MSME clusters related to Food Processing, Auto Ancillaries and Garment Manufacturing.
Food is an essential part of travel/tourism and over last decade platforms have taken a lead in ensuring three things- First,Production and Procurement of food; Second, Food Distribution and Third, ancillary food services businesses. I have written about the relationship of platforms and food Platforms are Hungry for Food ! and Food is hungry for Platforms !. Please read them for better insights.
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DTW
During the Week, I was part of an exciting start to Centre of Excellence for Digital Transformation's initiative #DigitalGreen in association with #FriedrichEbertStiftung India Office. Thanks to the wonderful team at ICFAI Business School (IBS), Ahmedabad for reaching out to Micro and Small Enterprises in Food Processing sector to document their adoption of digital technologies for environmental sustainability. Great insights generated though the Fish Bowl activity, focus group discussions and personal interviews followed by field visits.
We believe that the MSEs adoption of digital technologies for environmental sustainability could be seen through the lens of NET ZERO. Of course, the phrase is well known in the sustainability world as the goal for ensuring that we do not take anything extra from the environment and ensure that our non-renewable inputs are matched through recycling and/or use of renewable energy sources.
Our NET ZERO framework looks at two parts of the phenomenon- Tools and Impact. In sure Gandhian traditions, the means are as important as the ends. For us, the three tools relate to digital transformation initiatives, assessing environmental impact and then using digital technologies to mitigate any adverse impact of MSEs production process. The NET for us also implies NETWORK of Digital Technology service providers, Sustainability experts and Enablers including governmental and non-governmental organisations. ZERO implies ZERO impact of our production processes on environment through focus on workforce, machines, material and waste management.
N - Digital Transformation: Promoting the adoption and integration of digital technologies within micro and small enterprises to enhance their operational efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. This involves leveraging technologies such as cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation to drive digital transformation in various aspects of business operations including the follwoing-
Enhanced Market Access: Platforms provide wider market reach and connect food processors with consumers and businesses.
Streamlined Supply Chain: Platforms optimize the supply chain, reducing inefficiencies and improving logistics for food processors.
Data-driven Insights: Platforms leverage data analytics to provide valuable insights to food processors, enabling informed decision-making and product innovation.
Collaborative Ecosystem: Platform facilitate collaborative ecosystem while facilitating partnerships and knowledge sharing within the food processing industry.
E - Environmental Impact Assessment: Lot of participants expressed the need for utilizing digital tools and data analytics to assess and quantify the environmental impact of processes within micro and small enterprises. This involves conducting life cycle assessments, carbon footprint calculations, and other environmental impact assessments to identify areas for improvement and develop sustainable strategies. We believe that Micro and small enterprises in India can leverage digital technologies to drive environmental impact assessment.
T - Technology-enabled Sustainability Solutions: Finally, we recommend leveraging digital technologies to develop innovative solutions that address environmental sustainability challenges faced by micro and small enterprises. This can include the development of mobile applications, online platforms, and software tools specifically designed to support sustainable practices, resource management, and environmental monitoring.
The impact could be seen in four important areas that includes Human Resources, Plant & Machinery, Raw material and waste management.
Z - Zero Carbon Workforce: Promoting sustainable commuting practices, telecommuting, and digital collaboration tools to minimize the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of employees. Digital technologies can facilitate remote work and virtual meetings, reducing the need for travel.
E - Efficient Machine Utilization: Utilizing digital technologies for machine monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimization of machine usage. This helps ensure machines are operating at their peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and extending their lifespan. Using smart meters for energy usage can also help in efficient use of the plant and machinery.
R - Resource-efficient Material Sourcing: Leveraging digital platforms and data analytics to source materials sustainably, considering factors such as carbon footprint, eco-friendliness, and responsible sourcing. This encourages the use of renewable and recycled materials while minimizing waste generation.
O - Optimal Waste Management: Implementing digital solutions for waste tracking, sorting, and recycling within micro and small enterprises. This involves using digital platforms to monitor waste generation, optimize waste management processes, and promote recycling and upcycling initiatives.
OTW
Over the Weekend, I visited tourist hotspots in Ahmedabad which included an early morning Heritage Walk in Old Walled City.
We started from Swaminarayan Temple and concluded at Jama Masjid with an hearty breakfast at Chandravilas serving traditional Gujrati breakfast.
But the highlight of the day was visit to the Sabarmati Ashram. I strongly believe that incorporating Gandhi's principles of minimalism and self-reliance into the practices of MSEs, a strong foundation for environmental sustainability can be established. Emphasizing minimalism helps reduce waste and resource consumption, while promoting self-reliance fosters sustainable business practices and reduces reliance on external resources. Together, these principles align with Gandhi's vision of a sustainable and self-sufficient society.
Gandhiji’s core message of "There is enough for everybody's need and not for anybody's greed." aligns with sustainability in MSEs. Emphasizing minimalism and self-reliance, MSEs can adopt sustainable practices that prioritize meeting essential needs without excessive consumption, promoting a balanced approach to resource utilization and environmental stewardship.
I Love You
Shailendra
OTM
Opportunities through MountainSpeak are available with Digital Green.
Second consultation of Digital Green would be hosted by IBS Pune over 11-12-13 August 2023 and we would love to get your insights on Digital Green.
This initiative aims to facilitate the interface of digital transformation and environmental sustainability, providing MSEs with the tools and knowledge to adopt and implement digital solutions that support their transition to sustainable and green production processes.Digital Green envisions a future where MSEs in India embrace digital transformation to drive their sustainability practices.
We would like to invite you or any other expert in Digital Green to participate in our forthcoming regional consultations across the country. Please use the following form to let us know your availability.
https://forms.gle/14jX7wQ1Lr6YBozs6
We, at CeDT, believe that constructive interactions between actors in an ecosystem shapes various aspects of business and social practices and technology. Thus, continuous engagement with key human and non-human stakeholders across industry, academia and society to advance our agenda, is the guiding principle of the centre. Please fill the following google form if you would like to engage with us for the Digital Green or any other initiative.
https://forms.gle/T4zcnkbTqf972vVs7
OR simply reply to this email.
That's very well written sir but I would like draw your attention to food artificial substances which are used to enhance food colour, flavour, extend its shelf life etc. Like today I was reading article about aspartame- artificial sweeteners which is used more in chewing gums, soft drinks and ice creams to reduce the dependency on actual sugar but on the same note WHO has declared Aspartame a cancerous substance which slowly and gradually accumulate in humans body and it eventually leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). So what steps can MSME take towards conserving a food item (not harmful for human body) and still depend on huge data analytics, AI, machine learning to do the work effectively. And on similar thought is it necessary for MSMEs to work towards sustainability for the environment or digital transformation as they still have long way to go in industry usually any organization starts caring about surroundings when they grow big and are well established.