A dominant discourse in the development sector surrounding digital inclusion is the poor adoption of technology. The problem is often framed as a failure to adopt, shifting the blame onto micro and nano-enterprises themselves. The common recommendation that follows this framing is to provide digital skills training or digital literacy programs. The argument suggests that, armed with these new skills, entrepreneurs can easily navigate the digital landscape to prosperity. But e

In the world of high-tech startups and venture capital, success is measured by scale, investment, and market disruption. Yet, in Bagru, Rajasthan, I met a master craftsman whose business model defies all textbook logic. His approach to hand block printing might be considered "poor strategy" by modern analysts, but his story is a masterclass in resilience and pragmatic innovation. Meet Prakash, 67, whose life embodies a successful business model built on efficiency over excess

In the world of business, formalization—getting a GST number, securing a bank loan, and operating with invoices—is often seen as the only path to growth. However, my research into Bagru's vibrant hand block printing community reveals a far more complex reality. For many small-scale textile artisans, the choice to remain informal is not a sign of a lack of ambition or knowledge. It’s a calculated, strategic, and often essential business decision. Here's why, from their perspec