The Application of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Egyptian Case Study

The inherent advantages of SMEs in terms of flexibility and proximity to their markets have been widely acknowledged. In developing countries, SMEs play a significant role in flourishing the economy. The prevailing considerable interest in SMEs in developing countries is thus evident. While in the past many SMEs were acting on local markets, today web-based technologies and community networks are changing the pattern and scope of competition. This paper focuses on the implementation of ICT applications within SMEs boundaries. Case studies were conducted in different industrial sectors to obtain in-depth information about actual usage (and readiness toward further adoption) of ICT applications, Information Technology maturity level, user acceptance, and existing technological infrastructure within organizational boundaries. The paper concludes a number of deficiencies facing SMEs in adopting ICT in the context of developing countries. KeywordsSMEs; Developing Countries; ICT; Deficiencies