Digital Innovation in Microenterprises: Current Trends and New Research Avenues

Abstract

The relationship between microenterprises and information and communication technologies (ICTs) has always been troublesome. Because of the rapid pace of modern digital technologies, digital innovation processes are permeating the industries, markets, and social contexts in which microenterprises exist today. However, microenterprises have severe difficulties engaging or performing in these digital contexts and are at risk of being left behind. This paper reviews the literature on ICTs and microenterprises, focusing on the adoption, usage, and impact of ICTs. The results indicate that further research in this field should avoid focusing on individual microenterprises (or samples of independent microenterprises) as the unit of analysis and should favour a systemic approach in which markets, value chains, or microenterprise-intensive sectors are studied. Additionally, theoretical frameworks capable of considering change and the dynamic nature of innovation processes are highlighted as a critical focus area for the field.