Contribution of digital technologies to the growth of Cameroonian SMEs

Abstract

Low level of digitalization constitutes a major obstacle for the competitiveness and growth of SMEs in the world and particularly in Cameroon because of the increased competition induced by globalization. It is in this regard that this article attempts to evaluate the contribution of digital technologies to the growth of Cameroonian SMEs. To this effect, the study tested the Mintzberg's theory of organization and Porter's theory on competitive advantage, using data collected by means of a questionnaire from a sample of sixty SMEs, operating in the country. The data were analyzed using statistical techniques of linear regression. The results of the estimations purported that the use of digital technologies (digitalization, internet, e-commerce) has a positive impact on the growth indicators of SMEs. Indeed, digital technologies facilitate access to information, enhance dematerialization of information flows and instantaneous exchanges between employees and/or clients. This contributes to reduce production costs and enables the attainment of economies of scales and enhance the creation of added value with innovations in communication, production and marketing processes. In fact, these results imply that digitalization is an essential tool to improve the growth of SMEs in Cameroon. In view of the above, there is a need to invest more in the digitalization of processes within an enterprise, particularly in SMEs.

JEL classification : L1 ; L25 ; O32

Paper type : Empirical Research