Key Factors Influencing Technology Adoption for Food Loss Management in SMEs

Introduction: The economic development of numerous countries, such as Indonesia, is significantly influenced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). However, the adoption of digital technology among MSMEs remains low, limiting their ability to compete in an increasingly digital economy. The success of using technology depends on the acceptance and use of each individual user. Objectives: This study investigates the factors influencing the attitude toward the adoption of digital technology, focusing on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and the moderating role of anxiety. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, this research extends the framework by incorporating anxiety as a moderating variable and attitudes toward digitalization as a mediating factor. Methods: The data were collected from 150 MSMEs entrepreneurs in Central Java and Special Region of Yogyakarta Indonesia and analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), which is suitable for exploratory research and complex models with multiple mediators and moderators. The analysis involved assessing the measurement model for reliability and validity and testing the structural model to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. Results: The result indicates that social influence and facilitating conditions significantly affect attitudes toward digital technology adoption, while performance expectancy and effort expectancy do not. Anxiety did not exhibit a moderating effect on the relationship between the predictors and attitudes toward digitalization. Conclusions: The study provides practical insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance digital adoption among MSMEs, emphasizing the importance of social influence and facilitating conditions over perceived performance and effort expectancy.

Although e-commerce is growing rapidly among consumers, its technological space is still primarily dominated by large enterprises, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets struggling to keep pace. In Indonesia and Malaysia, e-commerce adoption among SMEs remains limited, highlighting the critical need to understand factors that facilitate or hinder digital transformation. This study addresses this gap by developing and testing an integrative model that combines the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, innovation resistance theory (IRT), and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Survey data collected from 357 SMEs were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and organizational readiness significantly enhance adoption intention, while effort expectancy, social factors, and technological context do not exert a meaningful effect. Among the barriers, value, usage, risk, and image concerns negatively impact adoption, whereas traditional barriers were not statistically supported. Notably, value barriers emerged as the most substantial deterrent, while facilitating conditions and organizational readiness were the most influential enablers. The integrated model explains 89.9% of the variance in e-commerce adoption intention, indicating a strong explanatory power. These findings suggest that improving digital infrastructure, building organizational capabilities, and addressing perceived value and usability concerns are critical for boosting SME participation in e-commerce. Policy and managerial implications include the importance of customized government initiatives, ecosystem support from platform providers, and targeted awareness programs to reduce perceived risks and increase digital engagement among SMEs. This study contributes to the e-commerce literature by offering a comprehensive framework for understanding adoption behavior and providing evidence-based recommendations for accelerating SME digital transformation in emerging markets.

This study aims to analyze the impact of financial technology (Fintech) on the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Banda Aceh City. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model is used as the theoretical framework in this study. The variables studied include performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The research method used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. Data were obtained through questionnaires distributed to 150 MSME actors in Banda Aceh. The results showed that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions positively and significantly affected MSMEs' use of fintech. However, effort expectancy had a negative and insignificant impact on fintech utilization. Social Influence had a positive but insignificant effect on the use of fintech. Fintech had a positive and significant impact on the performance of MSMEs. This research implies that the government needs to improve facilities and technological support for MSMEs and provide more intensive training and education related to fintech utilization to improve MSME performance. This study also suggests that future researchers can consider other variables that may affect the use of fintech by MSMEs.

Integrated Information Systems have become the standard in both small and large companies as the most effective approach to managing critical business processes, information flows, and supporting better decision making. Taking note of the Free/Libre & Open Source Software (FLOSS) movement rise and benefits as well, in the contemporary climate of fierce competition. A ready made FLOSS Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System that offer great opportunities for cost reduction and quality improvement is always a wiser decision for Developing Countries' Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) over getting a “From scratch” software solution. The aim of this paper is to provide further understanding of issues surrounding adoption of FLOSS ERP by SME in Developing Countries. We employed the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model to determine the strength of predictors for SMEs' managers and directors' intention to accept and use FLOSS ERP systems of better operational, tactical and strategical decision making. Questionnaires were administered to 200 SMEs' managers and directors in the Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Tunisia and Republic of Ivory Coast, with 177 returned, a xx% return rate. LimeSurvey and Google Forms have been used to collect data through web based surveys published on-line, sent to people via email and via social networks profiles, groups and pages. R Software for Statistical Computing, Psych and Lavaan R packages for Structural Equation Modeling were used to analyze data collected. The measurement and structure model was examined using Structural Equation Modeling. Constructs Performance Expectancy (PE) and Effort Expectancy (EE) significantly predicted Behavioral Intention (BI) to use FLOSS ERP, where Social influence (SI), Price Value (PV) and Use Behavior (UB) were statistically insignificant, as was Facilitating Conditions (FC), Hedonic Motivation (HM), Habit (HT) on both UB and BI. We recommend that future studies should differentiate between SME's obtaining aids from government or NGOs, and other SMEs that depends on its own resources, for more reliable results and conclusions.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to Indonesia’s economy. However, they face challenges in technology adoption, particularly Point of Sale (POS) systems, which remains relatively low despite their potential benefits. The research addresses the significant gap between the projected and actual adoption of POS ABC, a leading cloud-based POS system in Indonesia, by identifying key determinants that may act as barriers or enablers in the adoption process. By analyzing these factors, the researchers offer theoretical explanations for the suboptimal adoption rate and suggests strategic directions for increasing technology uptake among MSMEs. Utilizing a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, the research uniquely integrates system quality as an additional construct to address recurring technical complaints highlighted in user reviews, offering a novel perspective on technology adoption in this context. A quantitative approach is employed, collecting data from 400 MSMEs across Indonesia via online surveys. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 4.1.0.9 is used for analysis, yielding an R² of 49.4% for behavioral intention and 52.5% for use behavior. The findings reveal that performance expectancy, social influence, and habit significantly impact behavioral intention, while facilitating conditions, habit, system quality, and behavioral intention significantly influence use behavior. Effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and price value show no significant effect on behavioral intention. The findings offer essential insights for developers of POS systems and policymakers, guiding strategies to enhance the adoption of digital solutions and address technical challenges faced by Indonesian MSMEs.

Purpose Rapid digital transformation following COVID-19 has increased the need for immersive tourism technologies. However, most prior studies focus on consumer adoption and overlook post-adoption and experiential factors among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Addressing this gap, the purpose of this study is to integrate the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), Flow Theory and Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT) into a unified Metaverse Adoption Continuance Framework to examine both adoption and continuance of metaverse tourism platforms among SMEs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 388 SME owners and managers through structured surveys. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling, this study tested the mediating role of user experience and the moderating effects of technology-savviness and familiarity. Findings This study found that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, flow state, perceived enjoyment and presence positively influenced user experience, whereas privacy concerns had a negative effect. User experience significantly affects both behavioral intention and continued usage, which are strong predictors of adoption. Technology-savviness and familiarity moderate these relationships. Additionally, ethical and equity considerations, particularly privacy and digital inclusion, emerged as important contextual factors shaping SMEs’ adoption decisions. Research limitations/implications This study used a cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to see how perceptions and metaverse use change over time. Future research should adopt longitudinal methods to observe such changes. Because the data were self-reported, there is a possibility of bias, so future studies could include actual usage indicators. The focus on Kuala Lumpur tourism SMEs also limits generalization; comparing regions or cultures could improve validity. The Metaverse Adoption and Continuance Framework can be expanded by adding elements such as AI-based personalization and blockchain security. Qualitative studies can further explore emotional, social and ethical aspects of metaverse use. Practical implications This study provides useful insights for tourism SMEs, policymakers and technology developers. Tourism SMEs can enhance user experience by creating simple, engaging and affordable metaverse content such as guided virtual tours and browser-based virtual reality. Collaboration with universities and start-ups can reduce costs and promote innovation. Policymakers can support digital transformation through grants, training and improved broadband access. Ethical practices, including transparent data protection and inclusive design, are vital to build user trust and social equity. Balancing immersive engagement with privacy safeguards ensures sustainable adoption and wider community benefits. Social implications This study highlights the potential of metaverse technologies to enhance digital inclusion and innovation among tourism SMEs, particularly in developing economies. By promoting immersive virtual tourism, SMEs can reach broader and more diverse audiences, including individuals with mobility limitations. The findings of this study emphasize the need for digital literacy and privacy awareness to encourage socially responsible technology adoption. Moreover, supporting SMEs in this digital transition can generate employment opportunities in VR content development, digital training and related services, contributing to inclusive economic growth and stronger community resilience in the post-pandemic tourism landscape. Originality/value This study refines existing hybrid adoption continuance models by benchmarking against prior frameworks and contextualizing them for Malaysian tourism SMEs. This study contributes theoretically by integrating experiential and post-adoption constructs and practically by offering actionable insights into SME digital readiness, ethical data governance and sustainable metaverse implementation.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the influencing factors that lead to the adoption of digitalization in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), taking into account the interaction of technological, organizational, environmental, and outside market dimensions based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework.Method: A quantitative approach was adopted that included using a structured survey to gather data from 200 SME managers from three main industries: manufacturing, services, and retail. For testing the relationships of TOE dimensions and digitalization adoption and the moderating effect of technological readiness, data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).Results: It finds that all three dimensions of the TOE model, i.e., technological, organizational, and environmental, have a significan positive effects on SMEs' digital technology adoption. The study further establishes external market forces as a key mediator between the relationship of the dimensions and digitalization. It was discovered that the technological preparation level moderates the adoption phase, adding to the agility with which SMEs embody digital technologies.Originality: The significance of this research lies in the fact that it uses empirical evidence to exhibit how external market factors mediate the relationship between TOE dimensions and digitalization adoption. It emphasises the role of technological readiness and market forces in informing SMEs' digital transformation strategies, which has been largely overlooked in prior research.Implications: These findings hold significant implications for SMEs and policymakers alike. SMEs investment on in-house Technological Readiness enable digitalization, while innovative Digital Technologies adoption by SMEs would need favorable exogenous Environmental Mullions alignment from the Government Policymakers Future research can also consider more moderating variables and use longitudinal designs to capture the changing nature of digitalization in SMEs

Palestinian small and medium enterprises digital technology adoption intention

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of cloud computing adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), further, to measure the effect of cloud computing adoption on cloud-supported firm performance through enhancing organisational agility.Design/methodology/approachThe research model is developed by combining two popular theoretical models, namely, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework. Data are collected from 372 SMEs to test the model. The strengths of widely used structural equation modelling (SEM) are applied to analyse the data.FindingsThis study reveals that the significant predictors of cloud computing adoption are performance expectancy; effort expectancy; absorptive capacity; data security and privacy; and perceived trust. Also, cloud computing adoption positively influences firm performance directly and through organisational agility. The results of importance–performance map analysis indicate that effort expectancy falls in the critical zone, which needs to be improved.Originality/valueThis research is one of few that blends the strengths of UTAUT and TOE framework. The research outcomes yield noteworthy suggestions to cloud providers, managers and government policymakers on ways of motivating the spread of cloud computing in developing countries.

In today’s digital era, social customer relationship management (social CRM) has become a vital tool for businesses seeking to strengthen customer relationships. Despite its advantages, the adoption of social CRM among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains relatively low. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study investigated the factors influencing SMEs’ intentions to adopt social CRM in China. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the conceptual framework and hypotheses. Based on a survey of 198 SMEs in Zhejiang, the findings reveal that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and attitude are significant direct determinants of adoption intention. Additionally, the results highlight the central role of attitude in mediating the effects of performance expectancy and effort expectancy on SMEs' intention to adopt social CRM. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors shaping social CRM adoption in SMEs.

The purpose of this study is to examine the behavioral intention/actual behavior of adoption of Mobile Kasir Point of Sale (Moka POS) users using Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have a major contribution to the Indonesian economy, especially MSMEs in Jakarta as an economic center of the nation. During the pandemic, MSMEs are increasingly aggressive in optimizing the use of digital technology in accounting such as Moka POS. The research method is a survey using electronics questionnaires to MSME owners in Jakarta who are using Moka POS. The data analysis technique used a Structural Equation Model (SEM) with the Smart Partial Least Square (PLS) software approach. The result shows that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence have a positive effect on behavioral intention, and behavioral intention also has a positive effect on actual behavior to use the Moka POS. Meanwhile, facilitating conditions did not positively affect actual behavior to use the Moka POS. This study contributed theoretical and practical contributions to behavioral accounting. Keywords: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Moka POS, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.

The adoption of digital technologies has become a strategic necessity for enterprises operating in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven business environment. Enterprise Resource Management (ERM) systems integrate key business functions such as finance, human resources, production, inventory, and customer management into a unified digital platform. For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the effective adoption of digital ERM technologies can significantly enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and decision-making capabilities. The present study examines the level of adoption of digital technologies in Enterprise Resource Management among MSMEs in Amravati city, Maharashtra. The study aims to analyze awareness levels, adoption patterns, perceived benefits, and challenges faced by MSMEs while implementing digital ERM systems. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 100 MSME owners and managers across manufacturing, trading, and service sectors. Secondary data were obtained from academic journals, government reports, and published literature. The findings indicate that while awareness regarding digital ERM technologies is moderate, the level of adoption remains limited due to financial constraints, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to organizational change. The study concludes that targeted training programs, government incentives, and affordable digital solutions are essential to promote wider adoption of digital ERM systems among MSMEs in Amravati city. Keywords: Digital Technologies, Enterprise Resource Management, MSMEs, Digital Adoption, Amravati City

Digital transformation plays an increasingly important role in the growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet little is known regarding spatial inequalities in their adoption of advanced digital technologies. Using recent data from the Flash Eurobarometer 486, we study the spatial patterns of drivers for the implementation of new digital technologies in SMEs in Europe. In our analysis, the focus is on the possible influence of location. Considerable heterogeneity of SMEs is found in their propensity to adopt advanced digital technologies related to the strength of the local business environment and to the urban/rural hierarchy.Plain English Summary: European SMEs and DigitalisationThe adoption of digital technologies favours the competitiveness, resilience, and internationalisation of firms, but SMEs, which form the backbone of the EU economy, are lagging behind. A recent survey reveals that location greatly influences the probability that European SMEs adopt digital technology. Rural and small-town SMEs are less likely to be adopters, even when country, sector, and firm-specific characteristics are taken into account. However, good business environments always encourage the adoption of digitalisation technologies, whatever the geographic location of an SME. Innovators tend to be adopters, especially when they employ green innovation or management innovation. Larger SMEs, companies that are part of a business group, grow more rapidly, and/or export, are all more likely to adopt digital technologies. Policy-makers need to contemplate the urban/rural-divide and promote strong business environments in all types of locations. Public encouragement towards innovation is likely to indirectly promote easier access to digital technologies.

This research is motivated by the increasing need for efficient, flexible, and relatively low-cost accounting systems among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Cloud-based accounting is seen as being able to help SMEs improve accuracy, reporting speed, and financial decision-making. However, its utilization rate remains suboptimal. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on the intention to use cloud-based accounting in SMEs using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. This study employed a quantitative approach with primary data collected through questionnaires from SMEs using cloud-based accounting. This data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS)-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the measurement and structural models.The results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence have a significant positive effect on the intention to use cloud-based accounting, while facilitating conditions have a positive but not always significant effect on the intention to use. Therefore, the main variables driving intention to use are belief in the benefits, ease of use, and social support. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of developers and providers of cloud-based accounting services to improve features that support performance, clarify ease of use, and utilize social outreach and social recommendation strategies, while policy makers and business associations need to provide training and infrastructure support so that the adoption of cloud-based accounting in SMEs can increase.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of FinTech services by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their performance in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research explores the role of performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy and experience in shaping SMEs’ intention to adopt FinTech solutions. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized a Likert-based questionnaire to collect data whereas structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for hypothesis testing and analysis. This study has identified through Bureau van Dijk the all the Italian Innovative SMEs (n. 2,197). Findings The results indicate that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and effort expectancy significantly and positively affect SMEs’ intention to adopt FinTech services. Furthermore, experience with digital technologies enhances this relationship, emphasizing the importance of digital readiness in leveraging FinTech for SDG-related performance. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to link FinTech adoption with SDG performance in SMEs, applying UTAUT to provide a holistic understanding of the factors influencing technology acceptance in sustainability-focused business practices.