This study explores the barriers and challenges encountered by women entrepreneurs in adopting technologies in Indian MSMEs with a focus on Uttar Pradesh.
This study adopts a qualitative research design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 48 women entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh, India, and were analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke (2006) using NVivo14 software.
The study identifies several barriers and difficulties that limit women entrepreneurs' technological development in Indian MSMEs. These include digital illiteracy, lack of adequate infrastructure, fear of technology, lack of training opportunities and limited access to government support and professional networks. These factors collectively restrict women entrepreneurs' technological adoption and business expansion.
While the study focuses on technology adoption challenges experienced by women entrepreneurs, it can further be strengthened by addressing certain limitations. The region-specific qualitative research design, limited sample size and snowball sampling constrain the analytical generalizability of the findings. However, the study provides valuable insights that are relevant to similar contexts.
The findings highlight the need for inclusive, skill-based training and supportive ecosystems to address gendered digital disparities and strengthen women's entrepreneurial outcomes.
This study integrates the human capital theory and the theory of gendered organisations to examine how gendered institutional and organizational factors shape women entrepreneurs' knowledge, skills and abilities to adopt technology in their businesses. It focuses on women entrepreneurs in Tier 2/Tier 3 cities of Uttar Pradesh, India, a context that remains underexplored compared with urban centres such as Mumbai and Bangalore.
