National Knowledge Commission Chairman Sam Pitroda has favoured application of information and communication technology (ICT) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for development of the sector.

"The SMEs will play an important role in the development of the nation in the next decade. This is one sector, which will largely contribute in the overall economic growth, modernisation of infrastructure, generation of employment and development of auxiliary businesses. The sector will have to adopt ICT for sustained growth," Pitroda said while addressing an event on SME IT Summit.

ICT is important in every aspect of life, he said.

"Today, ICT is used in various sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, education, health, railways and power. There is not a single sector which is not dependent on ICT. ICT is pervasive and the SME sector has to adopt it...and if it does not, it will be in trouble," he said.

"We want SMEs to recognise that they need to change because they are the engines of growth. The nation can develop only if the sector develops. They need to focus on using ICT for all their needs," he added.