The opportunities and barriers of using ICT by small and medium enterprises in Bangladesh: Case of SMEs in BSCIC industrial estates

Abstract

The potential contribution of information and communication technology (ICT) to improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries has long been recognized. However, the realization of this potential has been problematic and over recent years there have been a number of initiatives supported by government, non government and foreign agencies which have endeavored to aid and encourage the up take of ICT to enable access to such promised benefits. Despite strong theoretical arguments suggesting that ICT has much to offer to SMEs, the study would seem to suggest that use of ICT by SMEs in Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporationpsilas (BSCIC) industrial estates is still in its infancy. It also identifies some significant barriers which are impacting upon the level of ICT adoption amongst SMEs, and confidence on ICT of the SMEs in Bangladesh. This paper is based on the study conducted as part of the IDA funded Enterprise Growth and Bank Modernization Project and explores the opportunities and challenges of using ICT to provide a necessary lever to enhance competitiveness and productivity of SMEs in Bangladesh.