Countries have sought to stop the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by severely restricting travel and in-person commercial activities. Here, we analyse the supply-chain effects of a set of idealized lockdown scenarios, using the latest global trade modelling framework. We find that supply-chain losses that are related to initial COVID-19 lockdowns are largely dependent on the number of countries imposing restrictions and that losses are more sensitive to the duration of a lockdown than its strictness. However, a longer containment that can eradicate the disease imposes a smaller loss than shorter ones. Earlier, stricter and shorter lockdowns can minimize overall losses. A 'go-slow' approach to lifting restrictions may reduce overall damages if it avoids the need for further lockdowns. Regardless of the strategy, the complexity of global supply chains will magnify losses beyond the direct effects of COVID-19. Thus, pandemic control is a public good that requires collective efforts and support to lower-capacity countries.

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Information communication technology (ICT) is driving modern employment creation with networking sites enabling people to interact through innovation. However, ICT uptake and implementation differ due to moderating factors such as entrepreneur innovativeness, which enhances how technology innovation impacts organizational performance. This study examines the association between technology innovation and firm performance in Kenya by considering the impact of entrepreneur innovativeness on this association. A sample of 240 enterprises and structural equation modeling were used in the analysis. The findings indicate that technology innovation influences firm performance positively. The study recommends that entrepreneurs should develop innovative strategies to actualize firm performance. Government policy should aim at improving ICT infrastructure; promoting small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') technological externalities within the industry, and establishing ICT resource centers to support SME performance. The study's findings enrich existing theories and contribute to business management practices in both developed and developing countries.

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