Small and medium enterprises’ adoption of 4IR technologies for supply chain resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: This study is motivated by the scarcity of empirical literature from developing countries on the small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and supply chain resilience (SCR) nexus during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives: The study assessed the current level of 4IR adoption amongst Zimbabwean SMEs, investigated the drivers thereof and analysed the effect of 4IR technologies on SMEs’ SCR amidst the COVID-19-induced disruptions. Method: The study employed a quantitative research approach where data were collected through an online cross-sectional survey of 318 SME owners or managers in Zimbabwe. The logit regression model using the IBM SPSS software was utilised for the main estimation. Results: The study revealed that the adoption of 4IR technology amongst Zimbabwean SMEs is still low owing to high costs and ignorance of some SME owners or managers. However, personal innovativeness, education, information and communication technology (ICT) literacy, security and ICT ease of use were the main drivers for the adoption of 4IR technology. A positive link was established between 4IR adoption and SCR. Conclusion: This study contributes to the nascent literature on fostering SME SCR through the adoption of 4IR technologies by SMEs from developing countries, in particular. The study recommends collective efforts by all relevant stakeholders to raise awareness about 4IR technology and enhance ICT literacy whilst addressing 4IR-enabling infrastructure and internet access costs.
Authors: Shallone Munongo, David Pooe
Institution: University of Johannesburg
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $625
OpenAlex ID: W4290000975