The Role of Digitalization in Cross-Border E-Commerce Performance of Italian SMEs

The Role of Digitalization in Cross-Border E-Commerce Performance of Italian SMEs

6 January 2024 | Maurizio Dallochio, Marcello Lambri, Emiliano Sironi, Emanuele Teti
The study examines the impact of digital technologies on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using a regression analysis, the research focuses on three main ICT areas: e-business, e-marketing, and e-commerce. The findings indicate that while e-business tools have an unclear impact on CBEC, e-marketing tools such as data tracking and social media have a positive and significant impact on online export performance. Additionally, the study finds that being present on marketplaces like Amazon or Alibaba is more effective than having a proprietary e-commerce website in terms of cross-border online sales. These results are useful for policymakers and managers, as they provide insights into the factors influencing CBEC and can help inform strategic decisions to support SMEs' development. The research also explores the moderating role of firm size and contributes to the literature by investigating the relationship between various technology adoption factors and CBEC.The study examines the impact of digital technologies on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using a regression analysis, the research focuses on three main ICT areas: e-business, e-marketing, and e-commerce. The findings indicate that while e-business tools have an unclear impact on CBEC, e-marketing tools such as data tracking and social media have a positive and significant impact on online export performance. Additionally, the study finds that being present on marketplaces like Amazon or Alibaba is more effective than having a proprietary e-commerce website in terms of cross-border online sales. These results are useful for policymakers and managers, as they provide insights into the factors influencing CBEC and can help inform strategic decisions to support SMEs' development. The research also explores the moderating role of firm size and contributes to the literature by investigating the relationship between various technology adoption factors and CBEC.
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