The influence of modern technology on emerging entrepreneurs in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) gives emerging entrepreneurs a greater opportunity to expand their companies, but many companies are unable to grow into engines of rural economic growth and job creation due to the difficulties associated with adopting and using ICTs. The purpose of this research is to describe the findings of an empirical study on the application of modern technology by emerging entrepreneurs in rural KwaZulu-Natal and its implications, both theoretical and practical, for the expansion of rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Many decision-makers are concerned about the concept of rural industrialization and the ways in which it might boost the economic growth of rural small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). The study also seeks to gain an understanding, knowledge, and awareness of how the application of modern technology could help in the development of robust rural industrialization, which would have a positive change in the economic climate of rural SMMEs. A quantitative analysis was undertaken for this study, and empirical data was collected from 384 participants in this study, all of whom were company managers or owners of small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The statistical application, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 was used to conduct the analysis once the data had been inputted into the computer in accordance with the question codes that were pre determined. The findings of the study suggest that rural entrepreneurs encounter a diverse range of challenges that have a substantial impact on their operational effectiveness. The existence of these challenges presents significant barriers, hindering their ability to engage in innovative and creative endeavours, hence limiting their potential to make substantial contributions to the advancement of sustainable development. The findings identified that access to finance, lack of training and skilled employees and lack of ICT infrastructure were the primary catalysts that influenced modern technology adoption by emerging entrepreneurs in rural KwaZulu-Natal Province. As a result of this research, this paradigm will be enlightened, and new knowledge perspectives will be disclosed. It is conceivable for policymakers to encourage emerging entrepreneurs in rural areas to use ICT in their businesses, which will, in turn, inspire other entrepreneurs to look up to these adopters and follow them, ultimately contributing to an increase in the usage of ICT in rural communities