ICT Adoption in SMEs In Arab States and their Impact on the Economic Development: Country Case Studies of UAE and Jordan

Abstract

SMEs are the main developing factor and an economy-s diversifying factor that adoption and use of ICT represent the fundamental source of competitiveness and the basis for SMEs survival in the world market. To address the main drivers and barriers of adopting ICT, through conducting such a study, to clarify the obstacles facing SMEs in third world countries, especially the Arab countries to adopt Information and Communication Technology ICT. As well as the positive impact that will be added if this technology in case Adopted. By answering the primary and secondary questions and thus will learn how to achieve the objectives that have been mentioned in the study there are many studies on the same subject of the study, but mostly in the developed countries and in large numbers relatively compared to developing countries they are very few numbers of studies. SMEs played a significant role in stimulating economic growth, increase employment. On the other hand, the Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have serious problems with the requirements and challenges of e-business. However, focused on developing countries where the structure of the economy is typical. There are only a few studies that shed some light on prescribing strategies for ICT adoption by SMEs in developing countries, especially the Arab countries. Besides, despite the huge consideration is given to urge SMEs to adopt ICT, there has been a minimal efficient exploration into the variables impacting, empowering and hindering the selection of ICT inside SMEs. The findings of this research will provide a foundation for future research and will help policy makers in understanding the current state of affairs of the usage and impact of ICT on SMEs in the United Arab Emirates and in Jordan. The results of the study recognize the requirement for more training facilities in ICT for SMEs, measures to give ICT products and services at a moderate cost, and accessibility of free proficient advice and consulting at a reasonable price to SMEs.