Innovative strategies for overcoming barriers to technology adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises

ABSTRACT

This study introduces the SME [small and medium-sized enterprise] innovation acceleration framework, a novel approach to addressing technology adoption barriers in Malaysia’s manufacturing and related services SMEs. Integrating Lewin’s three-stage model, Kotter’s eight-step change management framework, and Parasuraman’s technology readiness index, the research presents a comprehensive, culturally sensitive roadmap designed for the unique challenges SMEs face. Employing a Delphi study methodology with industry experts, the article identifies critical barriers to technology adoption and offers actionable strategies for enhancing technological readiness and innovation. The framework distinguishes itself by providing a mechanism to improve global competitiveness and economic contributions of SMEs, offering a replicable model for similar contexts internationally. This contribution enriches the literature with a practical, culturally attuned model for advancing SME innovation and technology adoption, which is of significant interest to scholars, policy makers, and practitioners worldwide.

KEYWORDS:

• Fourth industrial revolution
• organizational change
• technology adoption
• intervention framework

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The privacy and confidentiality assurances provided to participants during the informed consent process require that the qualitative dataset produced in this study should not be made publicly accessible. This is because consent to share the data publicly was not obtained during the recruitment and collection stages.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia [FRGS/1/2021/SS02/UTM/02/16].