ROLE OF CLOUD COMPUTING AS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN SOUTH AFRICA

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Abstract

The paper discusses cloud computing as a technology innovation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa to improve competitiveness, retain sustainability and maintain cost-effectively. The concept of duality of structures (DoS) of Giddens’ Structuration Theory was used as a lens through which to understand and interpret the factors influencing the readiness of SMEs to adopt cloud computing as a lens to innovate their businesses and become competitive in the face of global economic slowdown, high cost of IT services and inadequate e-competency. The purpose of the study was to determine the readiness of SMEs to innovate their businesses using technology solutions such as cloud computing. An extensive investigation on sixteen (16) SMEs from Gauteng and Mpumalang Provinces indicated a number of factors suggested by DoS have influenced the readiness of SMEs to adopt technology. The perspective is that clouding computing adoption as a technology innovation suggests a significant trend with the potential to increase agility and lower costs of IT services. The finding of the study is a general framework to guide SMEs to assess their readiness to adopting these technologies to save costs, improve their efficiency and competitive position.

Keywords: Structuration Theory, Cloud Computing, Innovation, Technology, Readiness, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

How to cite this paper: Twum-Darko, M., & Sibanyoni, J. L. (2014). Role of cloud computing as technology innovation in small and medium enterprises in South Africa. Corporate Ownership & Control, 12(1-6), 557-571. https://doi.org/10.22495/cocv12i1c6p3