Trump’s return may redefine commerce and expertise guidelines, pushing Indian corporations to organize for brand new geopolitical challenges, says Misiek Piskorski

India is present process a digital transformation with initiatives equivalent to Digital India and Startup India, in addition to developments in e-commerce, AI and telemedicine. In an interview with Enterprise At the moment, Misiek Piskorski, dean of govt schooling and professor of digital technique, analytics and innovation on the Worldwide Institute of Administration and Growth (IMD), Switzerland, spoke in regards to the challenges Indian companies face in digital adoption, the disparity in digital maturity, and potential coverage adjustments that might come up from a second Trump presidency.

He was talking on the sidelines of the Confederation of Indian Trade (CII) World Financial Partnership Discussion board held in New Delhi.

Edited excerpts:

BT: What challenges do Indian companies face in digital adoption, and the way are healthcare and manufacturing responding in a different way?

MP: As Indian corporations speed up their transition to the digital age, they face two main challenges: closing vital gaps in inner adoption and getting ready for world coverage adjustments that might reshape their methods. On one hand, leaders should tailor their digital efforts to industries with very completely different maturity ranges, equivalent to healthcare and manufacturing, and align transformation with sustainability. Alternatively, they have to stay attentive to geopolitical adjustments, particularly if Donald Trump returns to the American presidency and reshapes the principles of worldwide commerce and expertise.

Digital adoption in India is way from uniform. Well being care gives promising examples. Telemedicine platforms, now frequent in massive hospital chains like Apollo, have turn into extra widespread because the pandemic has pushed sufferers on-line. AI-based diagnostics and digital well being information are gaining floor. But in manufacturing, previous habits die laborious. Auto giants like Mahindra & Mahindra are leveraging IoT-based techniques for predictive upkeep, however many small workshops in locations like Ludhiana or Tiruppur nonetheless depend on guide processes. Value issues, lack of workforce expertise, and outdated infrastructure are slowing adoption, leaving a patchwork of capabilities throughout the nation.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are notably feeling these pressures. Typically run by households and cautious about heavy investments, they want tangible advantages earlier than accepting change. Nonetheless, successes are rising. Garment exporters in Tiruppur, for instance, use cloud-based stock administration and digital funds via India’s thriving fintech ecosystem. Authorities-backed incubators and inexpensive digital instruments are making the transition simpler, changing cumbersome spreadsheets with mobile-first options. As extra SMEs see how expertise can streamline provide chains, enhance buyer attain and enhance effectivity, they achieve the arrogance to take a position additional.

BT: How are AI and sustainability driving digital transformation in India, and the way are companies integrating the 2 to future-proof their operations?

MP: Among the many applied sciences fueling change, AI stands out. In all sectors, it’s not a futuristic luxurious however a catalyst for at the moment. E-commerce giants like Flipkart are deploying AI-based chatbots for customer support. Agritech startups are utilizing machine studying to foretell crop yields and assist farmers plan higher. Healthcare suppliers analyze affected person information to anticipate outbreaks, whereas producers depend on AI to cut back downtime and optimize manufacturing. As these instruments evolve, industries from finance to logistics may expertise quicker decision-making, lowered waste, and higher consumer experiences.

Sustainability is one other precedence in a resource-sensitive market like India. Digital transformation gives instruments to attain environmental targets: AI reduces information middle power consumption, digital platforms decrease meals spoilage by immediately connecting farmers to customers, and analytics helps corporations like Tata Energy to fine-tune their power consumption.

More and more, CEOs are recognizing that digital transformation is not only about new applied sciences, but additionally about long-term environmental administration. By inserting sustainability on the coronary heart of their methods, Indian corporations can future-proof their operations and differentiate themselves in a world market that more and more values ​​accountable development.

BT: What ought to Indian CEOs deal with when driving digital change?

MP: First, they have to view transformation as a people-first endeavor. Know-how investments solely repay when workers perceive and undertake them. Upskilling staff, nurturing a tradition of experimentation, and constructing cross-functional groups could make the distinction between stagnation and profitable innovation.

Collaboration is simply as vital. Giant producers may associate with nimble fintech startups for cost options, whereas healthcare suppliers associate with analytics corporations to achieve insights into affected person information. CEOs who foster cross-industry networks can speed up their digital agenda. On the similar time, it’s essential to remain abreast of regulatory adjustments, from nationwide information safety legal guidelines to worldwide requirements. Flexibility and foresight will help companies keep away from political pitfalls and benefit from new alternatives.

Adaptability is vital. The digital panorama is evolving quickly, and the power to pivot—to alter product strains, goal new buyer segments, or forge new partnerships—separates leaders from laggards. Indian CEOs ought to study not solely from world tech giants but additionally from one another’s greatest practices. Sharing experiences can increase the bar for everybody and assist construct a powerful nationwide digital ecosystem.

BT: How can Indian companies put together for coverage adjustments associated to Trump’s return to the US presidency?

MP: India’s digital ambitions usually are not unfolding in isolation. The insurance policies that emerged below the primary Trump administration – harder commerce obstacles, stricter visa guidelines, elevated scrutiny of international funding – ​​taught Indian companies the significance of resilience. IT corporations that depend on U.S. prospects needed to diversify their markets, whereas e-commerce corporations struggled with information localization necessities. These adjustments have highlighted the necessity for state of affairs planning, compliance methods and lowering reliance on single markets.

Below the second Trump presidency, Indian companies should as soon as once more adapt. Software program companies exporters may look extra aggressively towards Europe or Southeast Asia. Knowledge-driven companies should put together for doable restrictions on cross-border information flows. By inspecting how U.S. corporations have tailored earlier than – specializing in compliance, securing provide chains and creating proprietary applied sciences – Indian corporations can higher put together for brand new regulatory developments.

In the meantime, Indian policymakers and {industry} associations can strengthen native digital ecosystems to cushion exterior shocks. Stronger information governance frameworks, strong cybersecurity measures and balanced enterprise partnerships will all assist be certain that Indian companies stay aggressive, no matter geopolitical adjustments.