GRADUATE RESEARCH PAPER PRESENTATION

Leveraging Digital Platform by SMEs: A Literature Review and Plan for Future Research

Speaker
Ahmad Asadullah (PhD Student)

15 Jan 2019 Tuesday, 03:00 PM to 04:30 PM

Executive Classroom, COM2-04-02

Examiners: Associate Professor Tan Chuan Hoo and Assistant Professor Lim Shi Ying

Abstract:

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of most economies. However, SMEs face important challenges that hamper their sustainability and ability to grow. In this paper, I investigate how digital platforms (e.g., social media, innovation, and software development platforms) can be leveraged by SMEs to compensate for their inherent disadvantages compared to large-scale enterprises (LSEs).
Digital platforms are changing the landscape in which SMEs operate; they bring new threats, but also offer a wide range of opportunities. In this graduate research paper, I present the findings of a literature review on the adoption and use of digital platforms by SMEs, together with a plan for future research. The review indicates that the literature on the use of digital platforms by SMEs is growing but remains limited. It thus highlights several avenues for further knowledge development in this stream of research. Building on the findings of the review, I propose three research questions as the basis for future research on the potential of digital platforms to enhance the capabilities of SMEs.