Market influencers for ICT advancement in small states – a comparative analysis

ABSTRACT

This paper analyzes the relationship between Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market drivers and the level of ICT usage in small states. Main arguments in the literature review refer to institutional, socioeconomic, and demographic factors to explain ICT usage. Through a multi-method approach, this paper takes a dataset of small states to explore the relationship between ICT market variables and Internet usage. Findings highlight the importance of underlying digital platforms. A typology of small states is provided for ICT market influencers and usage, showing a varying degree of heterogeneity. Given that the sample size available to study small states limits the use of traditional analytical techniques, this paper utilizes Qualitative Comparative Analysis and demonstrates that high usage levels of digital applications for businesses, consumers, and social-media are conditions that are sufficient, but not necessary, for ICT advancement to occur. Implications for theory development and policy making are discussed in terms of market incentives.

KEYWORDS:

• Adoption and diffusion of IT and rate of uptake
• IT strategies for development (national and sectoral)
• IT and the global community

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Guillermo Jesús Larios-Hernández graduated in Electronic and Communications Engineering from the University of the Americas-Puebla in 1994. He obtained a Masters in Science and Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas at Austin and a French Mastère in Satellite Communications Systems from ENST-Toulouse. His professional work experience includes positions at Siemens, AT&T-Alestra and Global Affairs Canada (Trade and Innovation). He obtained PhD degree in Economics (Technology minor) from Mexico’s National University (UNAM) and he currently is associate faculty in Anahuac University. His research interests include entrepreneurship, new technologies and innovation, digital economy, ICT, and economic systems.

Pável Reyes-Mercado graduated in Electronic Engineering from Toluca Technological Institute in 2000. He obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Monterrey Technological Institute for Higher Studies (ITESM) in 2003. His industrial work experience includes positions at Alcatel, Coca Cola Company, and HSBC Bank. He obtained PhD degree in Managerial Sciences from EGADE Business School, Mexico City and he currently is the associate faculty in Anahuac University. His research interests include adoption and diffusion of emerging technologies, networked consumer behavior, and markets growth.

ORCID

Guillermo Jesús Larios-Hernández http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8288-7981

Pável Reyes-Mercado http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4772-7376