Impact of cloud computing as a digital technology on SMEs sustainability

• Published in: Competitiveness review Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 72 - 91
• Main Authors: Al-Mutawa, Basma, Saeed Al Mubarak, Muneer Mohammed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Publishing Limited 17.01.2024; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Competitive advantage; Small & medium sized enterprises-SME; Software; Sustainability; Bahrain; Infrastructure; Cloud computing; Digital; ICT; Sustainability; SMEs
• ISSN: 1059-5422; 2051-3143; 1059-5422
• DOI: 10.1108/CR-09-2022-0142

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the adoption of cloud computing as a digital technology by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and assess its impact on sustainability of such enterprises. Design/methodology/approach A model was developed that featured factors influencing SMEs sustainability. Primary quantitative data was gathered using a survey as an instrument. Total set of n = 387 responses were gathered using a convenience sampling method. Findings Findings reveal that cost reduction, ease of use, reliability and sharing and collaboration factors have significant statistical impacts on SMEs sustainability, whereas privacy and security factor has no significant statistical on SMEs sustainability. Practical implications The study poses significant implications on managers and SME development authority to create an inductive environment for technological support for SMEs’ sustainability. Originality/value The study enhances SMEs’ performance and sustainability by upgrading their existing information and communications technology as a digital infrastructure and benefiting from novel IT-based cloud revolution. Several studies have provided an understanding of the use of cloud computing services in SMEs but lack enough information about the challenges and impact on SMEs sustainability.