Information Support Systems for Small-Scale Industries in North East India: A Review

Never in the history of the world, has communication between different parts of the world been so fast or so easy. Today the very nature of World Wide Web is modifying patterns of communication and creating new popular cyber culture. Since independence, the small-scale industries sector in India has been a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP). This traditional sector in India is considered to have huge growth prospects within its wide range of products. With 40 % share in total industrial output and 35 % share in export, the SSI sector in India is acting as an engine of growth of the overall economy. The present study focuses on small-scaled industries (SSIs) in North East India. The eight states of North East India are perhaps the nation’s best kept secret in terms of its untapped economic potential. It is also acknowledged that there are few in the country, which can equal the treasures house of resources the North East states possesses. The larger reserves of oil, gas, coal, minerals, a rich agro base, an extremely beautiful tapestry of tourist destinations and highly literate and skilled people make the North East unique in many ways. Hence, the present study is initiated to fulfill the following objectives: Analyze the information needs of small-scale industries (SS1s), review the research works conducted on small-scale industries in North East India, understand the problems and challenges face by SSIS in North East India, study and develop information support systems for SSIs in North East India, and finally come up with suggestions for further research areas.