Using ICTs to become a competitive SME in South Africa

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) within the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in South Africa. It looks at the current state of affairs regarding the use of ICT by South African SMEs, including possible benefits to SMEs as well as stumbling blocks to adopting ICT. ICT plays a very important role in the current "knowledge economy". It is vital for SMEs to become a part of this economy in order to compete and thrive in the future. The problem is that SMEs are mainly using traditional tools to stay competitive. They need to take advantage of the power of ICT in order to take on the competition, whether small, big or global. The research consists of collecting data from ten SMEs in Gauteng in South Africa using questionnaires and interviews, to determine how SMEs can use ICT to become more competitive.