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The Role of Digitalization in Cross-Border E-Commerce Performance of Italian SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Maurizio Dallocchio

    (Department of Finance, Bocconi University, 20136 Milano, Italy)

  • Marcello Lambri

    (Graduate School, Bocconi University, 20136 Milano, Italy)

  • Emiliano Sironi

    (Department of Statistical Sciences, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20123 Milano, Italy)

  • Emanuele Teti

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

The utilization of digital technologies is rapidly increasing businesses’ capacities for innovation and growth, especially in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with strong benefits in efficiency, competitiveness, and market reach. We aimed to study the impact of digital technologies on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in Italian SMEs, with regard to three main ICT areas: e-business, e-marketing, and e-commerce. Using a regression analysis, the study found that e-business tools have an unclear impact on cross-border e-commerce, while e-marketing tools, such as data tracking for medium-sized enterprises and social media for all SMEs, have a positive and significant impact on the online export performance. Finally, we examined the impact of being present on a marketplace rather than having a proprietary e-commerce website, and we found that having a presence on marketplaces such as Amazon or Alibaba is more effective than having a proprietary e-commerce website in terms of cross-border online sales. These results are useful both for policy makers and managers, since making informed decisions to develop SMEs is crucial for industrial strategy effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Maurizio Dallocchio & Marcello Lambri & Emiliano Sironi & Emanuele Teti, 2024. "The Role of Digitalization in Cross-Border E-Commerce Performance of Italian SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:508-:d:1314382
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    digitalization; e-commerce; SMEs;
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