DIGITALIZATION AND SMALL BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/Keywords:
digitalization, SMEs, competitiveness, developing economies, digital technologies.Abstract
Digitalization has become an important factor influencing the competitiveness of small businesses in developing economies. This study examines how the adoption of digital technologies can enhance productivity, improve market access, and strengthen the overall performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings suggest that digitalization can support business growth and competitiveness, although challenges related to digital skills, infrastructure, and technology adoption remain significant.
References
1. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2025). SME Digitalisation for Competitiveness: The 2025 OECD D4SME Survey. OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Papers. Paris: OECD Publishing.
2. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2021). The Digital Transformation of SMEs. OECD Studies on SMEs and Entrepreneurship. Paris: OECD Publishing.
3. World Bank. (2022). Digitalizing SMEs to Boost Competitiveness. Washington, DC: World Bank.
4. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). (2025). Leveraging Digital Technologies for MSMEs’ Integration into Regional Value and Supply Chains: The Cases of Ethiopia, Malawi, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda. Geneva: United Nations.
5. World Bank. (2024). Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023. Washington, DC: World Bank.
6. OECD Digital for SMEs Global Initiative (D4SME). (2025). SMEs in the Digital Economy: Stakeholder Pledge. Paris: OECD.
7. OECD Digital for SMEs Global Initiative (D4SME). (2024). D4SME Global Initiative: Supporting SME Digitalisation. Paris: OECD.
8. Bianchini, M., & Lasheras Sancho, M. (2025). SME Digitalisation for Competitiveness: The 2025 OECD D4SME Survey. OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Papers. Paris: OECD Publishing..
