A new Technology Readiness Index, released today by Koan Advisory Group in partnership with PHDCCI, has revealed a stark digital divide across India. According to the report, all eight Northeast states fall into the lowest two performance categories, signaling deep structural weaknesses in digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and regulatory maturity.
This finding highlights a widening gap between the Northeast and digitally advanced regions such as the South and West, which continue to dominate India’s technology landscape.
A Wake‑Up Call for the Northeast’s Digital Future
The index maps 33 states and Union Territories on four critical pillars:
- Digital infrastructure
- Regulatory maturity
- Innovation ecosystem
- Human capital
Across these indicators, the Northeast cluster scored substantially below the national average, making it the weakest region in India’s technology preparedness.
While states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra lead the country with strong fibre networks, thriving startup ecosystems, and robust policy frameworks, the Northeast continues to struggle with limited connectivity, low broadband penetration, and slow digital adoption.
Why the Northeast India Tech Readiness Ranking Matters
1. Digital Infrastructure Gaps Are Widening
The report shows that the Northeast has some of the lowest levels of broadband access and fibre coverage in the country. This aligns with earlier analyses showing the region accounts for less than 2% of India’s broadband users, despite representing nearly 4% of the population.
2. Weak Innovation Ecosystem
Startups, research institutions, and digital‑first enterprises remain sparse in the region. As a result, the Northeast struggles to attract investment and talent, further slowing innovation.
3. Regulatory and Policy Challenges
The index highlights that several Northeast states lack:
- Updated IT policies
- Clear digital governance frameworks
- Incentives for tech‑driven industries
This regulatory lag makes it difficult for businesses to scale or adopt emerging technologies.
4. Human Capital Limitations
Although the region has a young population, the availability of advanced digital skills remains low. Consequently, the workforce is not fully prepared for India’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
How the Northeast Compares to the Rest of India
According to the index, Southern and Western states dominate India’s tech readiness, driven by strong industrial bases, widespread fibre connectivity, and mature digital ecosystems.
In contrast, the Northeast forms the weakest cluster, with all eight states — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura — placed in the bottom two categories.
This divide is not merely statistical. It affects:
- Access to digital services
- Quality of education
- Healthcare delivery
- Business competitiveness
- Employment opportunities
As India accelerates toward a trillion‑dollar digital economy, the Northeast risks being left behind unless urgent interventions are made.
What Experts Are Saying
Industry analysts argue that the findings should serve as a policy alarm bell. Without targeted investment in digital infrastructure and regulatory reforms, the region may struggle to participate meaningfully in India’s tech‑driven growth.
Furthermore, experts emphasize that improving connectivity alone is not enough. States must also strengthen:
- Startup incubation
- Digital literacy programs
- Public‑private partnerships
- Local innovation hubs
These steps are essential for building a resilient and future‑ready digital ecosystem.
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The findings of the Northeast India tech readiness report make one thing clear: the region needs urgent, coordinated action. Policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society must work together to bridge the digital divide.
If the Northeast is to participate fully in India’s digital future, investment in infrastructure, innovation, and skills cannot wait. The time to act is now — because a connected Northeast is not just a regional priority, but a national imperative.