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Small Islands, New Technologies and Globalization: A Case of ICT adoption by SMEs in Mauritius

Author

Listed:
  • Lal, Kaushalesh

    (United Nations University, Maastricht Economic and social Research and training centre on Innovation and Technology)

  • Peedoly, Aveeraj Sharma

    (University of Mauritius)

Abstract

This paper sets out to locate Mauritian SMEs in the present context of global competition and more particularly to identify the extent to which they have adopted ICTs as a tool to meet the challenges which they now face. The essence of the argument that comes to the fore is that despite having an impressive number of SMEs which contribute enormously to employment creation in the country, the latter are in many ways ill-equipped to confront the challenges of global competition. The findings clearly show that the adoption of ICTs in SMEs is far from being an integral feature of Mauritian SMEs despite recent claims to be a cyber-island. Cost of communication and the lack of learning opportunities have been found as the major impediments in the adoption of ICTs. In turn this raises serious implications and challenges for the SMEs themselves and the Government in order to adapt to the requirements of globalisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Lal, Kaushalesh & Peedoly, Aveeraj Sharma, 2006. "Small Islands, New Technologies and Globalization: A Case of ICT adoption by SMEs in Mauritius," MERIT Working Papers 2006-005, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2006005
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    File URL: https://unu-merit.nl/publications/wppdf/2006/wp2006-005.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kaushalesh Lal, 2007. "E-business and Manufacturing Sector: A Study of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in India," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Information and Communication Technologies in the Context of Globalization, chapter 2, pages 16-33, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. Drew, Stephen, 2003. "Strategic Uses of E-Commerce by SMEs in the East of England," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 79-88, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Camilleri, Silvio John & Falzon, Joseph, 2013. "The Challenges of Productivity Growth in the Small Island States of Europe: A Critical Look of Malta and Cyprus," MPRA Paper 62489, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Small Island Economies; ICT; SME; Probit Analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • C5 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling

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