An analysis of the impact of disruptive technology on the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a developing nation. A case of King Williams Town, South Africa

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially in developing nations, offer access to employment to the low income, semi-skilled and even non-skilled individuals. However, it is ascertained that lack of access to appropriate (up-to-date) technology is amongst the major challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing nations. The aim of this research is to analyse disruptive technology and its impact on the success of SMEs in a developing nation. The research will also show how beneficial disruptive technology is to businesses. The data for the research study was collected through a survey type structured questionnaire that was carefully developed and validated through pre-testing. The questionnaire was administered to both owners and managers of SMEs in King Williams Town. The primary objective of the study was to analyse whether disruptive technology has got an impact on the success of SMEs and the results showed that disruptive technology alters the way businesses operate and it can therefore be concluded that disruptive technology has an impact on the success of SMEs. Key words: small and medium enterprises (SMEs), impact, disruptive technology, success.