TY - JOUR
T1 - E-commerce and socio-economic development
T2 - Conceptualizing the link
AU - Boateng, Richard
AU - Heeks, Richard
AU - Molla, Alemayehu
AU - Hinson, Robert
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - Purpose - E-commerce is diffusing into developing countries (DCs), and is assumed to help deliver the international development agenda. But how can the connection between e-commerce and socio-economic development be conceptualised? The aim of this paper is to analyse that connection by drawing from the development studies discipline to take a broader perspective on e-commerce than that so far provided by firm-level research. Design/methodology/approach - The authors adopt a literature survey approach, drawing their conceptual foundations from development studies, and supplementing this from the e-commerce literature. Findings - The paper develops a new, integrated model that explains the way in which e-commerce can contribute to socio-economic development. Research limitations/implications - This new model can help provide a foundation for future research on e-commerce in DCs; research on e-commerce policy as well as impact assessment research. Practical implications - The discussion and model provide development agencies, governments, consultants and business people working in DCs with a clearer sense of the contribution e-commerce can make; assisting them in prioritization, planning, and evaluation of e-commerce projects. Originality/value - The paper provides the first integrated perspective on the broader contribution of e-commerce to the growth and development of DCs.
AB - Purpose - E-commerce is diffusing into developing countries (DCs), and is assumed to help deliver the international development agenda. But how can the connection between e-commerce and socio-economic development be conceptualised? The aim of this paper is to analyse that connection by drawing from the development studies discipline to take a broader perspective on e-commerce than that so far provided by firm-level research. Design/methodology/approach - The authors adopt a literature survey approach, drawing their conceptual foundations from development studies, and supplementing this from the e-commerce literature. Findings - The paper develops a new, integrated model that explains the way in which e-commerce can contribute to socio-economic development. Research limitations/implications - This new model can help provide a foundation for future research on e-commerce in DCs; research on e-commerce policy as well as impact assessment research. Practical implications - The discussion and model provide development agencies, governments, consultants and business people working in DCs with a clearer sense of the contribution e-commerce can make; assisting them in prioritization, planning, and evaluation of e-commerce projects. Originality/value - The paper provides the first integrated perspective on the broader contribution of e-commerce to the growth and development of DCs.
KW - Developing countries
KW - Economic development
KW - Electronic commerce
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=55349127084&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/10662240810912783
DO - 10.1108/10662240810912783
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:55349127084
SN - 1066-2243
VL - 18
SP - 562
EP - 594
JO - Internet Research
JF - Internet Research
IS - 5
ER -