Economic Viability of Technology Convergence : A Strategic Analysis of Opportunities from Firm's Perspective
The information and communication technology (ICT) sectors have been technologically converging for past few years. "Major determinants of this process are technological innovations coupled with the liberalization of the telecommunications market", says Manjula Mishra. "Both of these factors", according to her, "lead to a further process of mergers and alliances by firms in order to attain advantageous positions in the newly emerging markets or to retain existing ones". Since technology convergence is a relatively new phenomenon seen from an economic perspective, high risk and uncertainties are invariably associated with it, writes Mishra in an article for IndiaWorld on the Net. [Read Article]
Indian red-tape: It takes too long to start a business in India, says WB
"We all knew that starting, establishing — and even exiting — a business in India is not for the faint-hearted. But the latest World Bank survey on India’s investment climate shows just how badly India fares on this front at a time it is desperately trying to ramp up foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows", according to a report appearing in The Indian Express.
Compared to most other countries, including those in South Asia (Nepal 21 days, Pakistan 24 days), the time for entry, exit and for contract enforcement are much higher in India (89 days), says the report (‘‘Doing Business in 2005: Removing Obstacles To Growth’). [more]
Govt. expected to permit higher FDI in retail sector
"Media reports indicate that the government might permit 49 per cent foreign investment in retail. This is an improvement over the cap of 26 per cent that was expected to be the limit on FDI in retail until now. At the same time, there is no fundamental difference as it will still not give controlling share to FDI. The Left should therefore not have any objection", reports Indian Express. [more]