An exploratory study of SME barriers for adoption of ICT and e-commerce in the Developing Countries -An empirical pilot study of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Embracing ICT and e-commerce for stability in international markets and competitive advantage are becoming imperative for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs,) to survive in a global economy. Yet, SMEs in developing countries, forming the backbone of the economy, are relatively slow in adopting ICT and ecommerce. Literature reveals many significant reasons contributing towards this reluctance.This paper looks into more in-depth information about the reasons why SMEs in Sri Lanka – a developing country in Asia, are reluctant to adopt ICT and e-commerce technologies. . The barriers were identified through a pilot studyof 17 SMEs carried out in Sri Lanka. It identifies the similarities and differences between the SMEs in developing countries and the developed. The author hopes to develop a methodology to effectively help e-transform SMEs in developing countries.