Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Romanian Rural Area by Integrating Information Technologies: an Interdisciplinary Approach

Abstract

The Information and Communication Technologies and digital economy are the key factors in the recovery of the EU economy and especially the Romanian economy. Based on its strengths in technology and knowledge, Europe should exploit the full potential of the digital economy. The digital economy and information technologies offer great opportunities for SMEs in the manufacturing and service sectors. Therefore, an ambitious Digital Agenda, providing concrete steps to complete the online single market will be a key to sustainable economic recovery and social development of Europe. The competitive advantage of each country will play an important role in sustaining its future prosperity. Information technologies offer new ways of enhancing sustainable development not only in urban areas but also, to an even greater extent, in rural areas throughout the world. The understanding of what makes them a success or failure, and how much impact they may have in contributing to the wider rural economy is still relatively poorly developed. What is clear, from a wider European perspective, is that these new forms of e-agriculture with ecological entrepreneurialism are growing at a relatively fast rate This paper presents multi-criteria AHP method, (Analytic Hierarchy Process) to assess main technological factors that affect the introduction of new technologies in rural areas.

Digital Capability and Innovation Strategy to Develop the Performance and Competitive Advantages of Fashion Smes in Jakarta, Indonesia

“…For example, we could name several huge companies such as Amazone, Yahoo and Ebay. Those three companies have taken advantages of the digital technology to develop their businesses into as big as it is now (Şerbu & Borza, 2014).…”

Socio-Economic Structure Consolidation of Rural Areas

“…The central European development agenda has increased the awareness towards emphasizing the rural environment, but the particular national problems are creating major imbalances within borders and across countries (Ciolac et al, 2021). Technological advancements for sustainable rural development have been mentioned in the scientific literature and are essential for uplifting ideas, solutions and methods for both agricultural and non-agricultural practices in order to promote a resilient rural ecosystem (Şerbu and Borza, 2014). Regarding the rural entrepreneurship, the key drivers of growth is the acknowledge entrepreneurial activities, playing an important role in promoting economic and social development, due to their capacity to aggregate job creation and productivity growth.…”

The Impact of Information and Communication Technology Capability on the Competitive Advantage of Small Businesses

“…Researchers of the competitive advantages of SMEs such as Bagheri et al (2014), Budiarto et al (2017), and Şerbu and Borza, (2014) believe that the current era of the digital economy requires every person and organization to be involved in effective ICT in the context of economic and community development. Hoque et al (2016) in particular state that the study of the role of ICT in small businesses has become a special challenge.…”