Applying Utaut Model Towards The Capabilities of SME Entrepreneurs And Using Digital Platforms

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a very important component underlying innovation in business and entrepreneurship that allows activities to take place regardless of place, distance, age, and time in increasing competitiveness in businesses and economies around the world in line with Industry 4.0 can benefit firms in mapping out a global direction. To ensure business can be implemented well and effectively, the digital platform is used as a complement in supporting the business activities undertaken. The objective of this study is to examine the acceptance to use digital platforms by SME entrepreneurs in Kedah by
using the Theory of Combined Technology Acceptance and Use (UTAUT) model. Data collection involved is the distribution of questionnaires. Only 355 questionnaires were considered suitable to be analysed further, with response rate of 47 percent. The study has successfully proven that social influence and facilitating concern are significantly correlated to acceptance to use digital platform. Therefore, regression testing shows that prediction facts on acceptance to use digital platform produce the value R2 of 67.8 percent. Besides, the results of this study are expected to benefit SME entrepreneurs, SME support service agencies, policy makers and SME program development related to the importance of digital platforms in business activities today. Thus, the study also contributes to existing literatures which focuses on the development of entrepreneurship in Malaysia. Lastly, detailed implications of the theory and practices as well as suggestions for future study also discussed.