Title: Perceived barriers to information and communication technology (ICT) adoption in Ivorian SMEs

Authors: N'Doli Guillaume Assiélou; Mario Bourgault

Addresses: Mathematics and Computing Laboratory, Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d'Ivoire ' Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, 2500 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to determine the barriers to ICT adoption, and to explain their influence in the context of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in Côte d'Ivoire. The technology-organisation-environment-individual-economy (T-O-E-I-E) model is used to assess the factors that negatively impact ICT adoption in Ivorian SMEs. The study is based on semi-structured interviews of 15 senior executives. The results show that economic factors such as equipment and service costs and inadequate bank financing negatively impact ICT adoption in Ivorian SMEs. Similarly, ICT use is affected by technological barriers such as cybercrime and quality of ICT service. In addition, factors such as lack of human skills and resistance to change inhibited ICT adoption. This study provides insight that can help firm managers, political decision-makers and other stakeholders to better solve the problems hindering the ICT adoption by SMEs and build their confidence in digital technologies.

Keywords: ICT adoption; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; T-O-E-I-E; technology-organisation-environment-individual-economy; barriers; Côte d'Ivoire.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2022.125254

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2022 Vol.22 No.3, pp.197 - 216

Received: 12 May 2020
Accepted: 09 Nov 2020
Published online: 05 Sep 2022 *

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