Palestinian small and medium enterprises digital technology adoption intention

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors determining Palestinian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Digital Technology (DT) adoption intention. A modified Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework integrated with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory is employed. Data was collected via a questionnaire as a sample for the quantitative approach, and experts’ semi-structured interviews as a sample for the qualitative approach is conducted. The findings presented in this study reveal that SMEs factors such as Business Model, and Enabling Regulatory Environment, are the major factors affecting DT intention adoption by SMEs in Palestine. The study findings determine the enablers and obstacles to SMEs' DT adoption intention. This study contributes significantly to the theoretical understanding of DT adoption via developing a DT framework for the SMEs in Palestine. This study's major contribution to the existing knowledge and literature in DT adoption is via developing a TOE framework for providers (supply-side) factors in general and in Palestine to fill the gaps in past studies and surge the concept and dimensions of technology acceptance from being mobile banking adoption to all DT adoption applications implemented by SMEs. The findings could be useful to policymakers, government agencies, Palestine, and other development partners to design and direct their policy interventions. This study emphasized the importance of digital technologies adoption by SMEs that will improve processes, drives innovation and enhance customer involvements.