CHALLENGES FACING SMES IN EMERGING ICT ADOPTION FROM DIVERSE ACTORS’ PERSPECTIVE: A DATA DRIVEN APPROACH

This paper examines challenges facing SMEs in emerging ICT adoption from diverse actors' perspective using data driven thematic analysis approach -similar approach to grounded theory. This study deployed both unstructured and semistructured interviews with the total of 26 interviewees drawn purposefully from Crunch online database in Luton. Data collected from the interviews were analysed to understand both the challenges faced by SMEs and actors that pose such challenges during ICT adoption. The study developed a framework that revealed certain actors that took part in emerging ICT adoption the challenges they pose that impede SMEs from adopting emerging ICT successfully. The finding revealed that Poor knowledge of ICT, and Time are challenges linked to SME managers. Limited ICT support, lack of specialised skills, limited funding, and general support are linked to the government. Dependent and untrustworthy are associated with IT consultants while global solution is linked to IT experts. Commercial interest is linked to IT vendors. The implication is that while some challenges encountered by SMEs originate from them, majority are caused by diverse entities which has constantly limit the extent SMEs embrace new technology