This study aims to identify and analyze factors determining the adoption of digital technologies in SMEs. Drawing on the technology–organization–environment framework, the study highlights enabling ...factors from three different contexts and hypothesizes their relationship with digital technology adoption. The data used were collected from 15 346 European Union and non-European Union SMEs to test an ordered logit regression model that highlights the factors associated with an increased level of digital technologies adoption in SMEs. The empirical results show that the technology context (IT infrastructure and digital tools) along with the existing level of innovation are the main drivers that act as stepping stones in digital technology adoption. Corporate regulation, available skills, and financial resources (as organizational variables) also play a significant role in the adoption decision. Unexpectedly, the influence of the environmental context is marginal. The implications of this study are emphasized for theory and practice, laying a foundation for further empirical studies in this field. Managerial relevance statement: This article reviews the empirical research on digital technologies adoption and examines the drivers of such adoption in SMEs. The factors identified provide guidance for practitioners adopting digital technologies in SMEs, by suggesting they assess the readiness of their firms before investing in digital technology. This research helps advance the conversation on digitalization drivers especially by bringing the discussion into the organization boundaries, as our findings highlight the predominance of organizational drivers over the technological and environmental ones. SMEs have to overcome the challenges associated with constructing an IT infrastructure capable of implementing new technologies. Indeed, while striving to adopt new digital technologies (e.g., AI, big data, IoT), many SMEs are still unprepared. Therefore, rather than adopting mimetic behaviors based on external pressure, SMEs that aim for digitalization should first assess their existing technologies, and further develop a meticulous technological roadmap that includes skills upgrades and investments in upskilling employees’ capabilities. Therefore, developing a fully integrated strategic approach is crucial before the adoption of digital technologies
It was not necessary to add the material to the shelf.
Bibliographic material was successfully added on shelf.
Adding bibliographical material on shelf was not successful.
Material is already on the shelf.
Permalink
URL:
Impact factor
Access to the JCR database is permitted only to users from Slovenia. Your current IP address is not on the list of IP addresses with access permission, and authentication with the relevant AAI accout is required.
Year
Impact factor
Edition
Category
Classification
JCR
SNIP
JCR
SNIP
JCR
SNIP
JCR
SNIP
Select the library membership card:
DRS,
in which the journal is indexed
Database name
Field
Year
Links to authors' personal bibliographies
Links to information on researchers in the SICRIS system
Subject headings in COBISS General List of Subject Headings
Select pickup location
The material from the parent unit is free. If the material is delivered to the pickup location from another unit, the library may charge you for this service.
