SMEs in developed and developing countries treading similar paths towards eTransformation

Abstract

The global economy has become increasingly reliant on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) toolsand systems to process and exchange information. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are yet to reap these benefits as obtaining such opportunities rests on their ability to integrate ICT into business tasks and processes. They need to transform their companies by implementing appropriate ICT in order to compete within a busy digital economy. The aim of this study was to see how SMEs from developed and developing countries follow their eTransformation journey and also to identify the differences and similarities businesses encounter in that process. Our research confirms that the eTransformation takes place as an incremental process for both groups and that the eTransformation pattern is similar in both worlds. However, we notice that in Australia, a developed country, SMEs are more aware of eTransformation and are demanded by customers and digital economy to change, where as in Sri Lanka eTransformation is still in its early stages of development.