ICTs for Improving National Competitiveness, Case Study of Iranian SMEs

Abstract

There is fierce competition among firms to target larger markets. Countries, like firms, are in competition to stand out in global competitiveness and world market. Effective competition and achieving advantage over competitors are closely associated with the concept of competitive advantage. Various sources of competitive advantage are found in the literature. However, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are increasingly becoming the center of attention for creating competitive advantage both at firm and country level. A large group of firms in every country are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are widely known as enablers of business and economic growth; nevertheless, they constantly face challenges in competition. In this study, ICTs are introduced as a strategy for SMEs to improve their competitiveness. It is suggested that promoting competition among SMEs could lead to a higher performance in competitiveness at country level. This is investigated through focusing on Iran as a country case study. The present research finally concludes by the strong potentiality of ICTs to improve Iran's national competitiveness through making the home market more competitive for its SMEs.

Conceptualizing the Digital Sharing Economy in the Context of Sustainability

“…Although ICT has mainly been known as an enabler of development [88][89][90][91], its negative implications on development have also been studied; e.g., the digital divide and unequal access [92], the urban-rural divide [93], and unequal digital literacy [87], all of which can be applicable to the digital sharing economy as well.…”

ICTs for Improving National Competitiveness, Case Study of Iranian SMEs

“…Iran has made significant progress in education at both high school and further education level; however, some deficiencies can still be found in the use of new technologies within education, particularly e-learning. In a study focused on the ICTs and education in Iran, Abdollahpouri (2014) found that problems are not merely related to the ICTs itself, but rather the main issues were found to be caused by non-ICTs-based factors such as education systems or the national policies and strategies defined in the educational sector. Provided that national strategies and plans support the appropriate implementation of ICT applications, elearning would improve the quality of and access to education to a degree which is required for today"s needs.…”