Impact of ICTs on Innovation and Performance of Firms: Do Start-ups, Regional Proximity and Skills Matter?
Article
Article Title | Impact of ICTs on Innovation and Performance of Firms: Do Start-ups, Regional Proximity and Skills Matter? |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 41498 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Alam, Khorshed (Author), Ali, Mohammad Afshar (Author), Erdiaw-Kwasie, Michael (Author), Shahiduzzaman, Md (Author), Velayutham, Eswaran (Author), Murray, Peter A. (Author) and Wiesner, Retha (Author) |
Journal Title | Sustainability |
Journal Citation | 14 (10), pp. 1-18 |
Article Number | 5801 |
Number of Pages | 18 |
Year | 2022 |
Publisher | MDPI AG |
Place of Publication | Switzerland |
ISSN | 2071-1050 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105801 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/10/5801 |
Abstract | Managers need to better understand how information and communication technologies (ICTs) lead to informed decisions about the investment and advantages of such technologies. However, at best, the empirical evidence on the business value of technology is mixed in relation to small firms. A total of 43 firms satisfied the study’s definition of start-ups. The final survey included 54 questions on access to and use of ICTs, innovation, firm characteristics, as well as the participants’ demographics, of which 11 factors were analyzed as part of this study. We found compelling evidence to support the positive effects of ICTs on firm-level innovation and performance based on the primary survey data of 270 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in an Australian regional area. Moreover, we found that ICT strategies and skills are important factors that drive innovation and the overall performance of SMEs. In addition, various conditions, such as an agile workplace culture and international trade, can help firms improve their performance. Young businesses, particularly start-ups with ICT skills, show an improved innovation capability. However, remoteness appears to influence innovation negatively for nascent firms. Thus, managers should focus on improving ICT skills, strategies, and networking that help facilitate tangible ICT investments to foster innovation and growth. |
Keywords | information and communication technology; innovation; regional Australia; small and medium enterprises; start-ups |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 350716. Small business organisation and management |
380199. Applied economics not elsewhere classified | |
380201. Cross-sectional analysis | |
Byline Affiliations | School of Business |
Charles Darwin University | |
University of Queensland | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q7544/impact-of-icts-on-innovation-and-performance-of-firms-do-start-ups-regional-proximity-and-skills-matter
Download files
190
total views237
total downloads0
views this month0
downloads this month