AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN RURAL SMEs DEVELOPMENT: A CASE OF KWAZULU-NATAL
Digital entrepreneurship practices have emerged as major drivers of the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises. SMEs are making use of digital platforms to enhance their growth and development; nevertheless, there is limited research on the role played by digital entrepreneurship in the development of SMEs in rural areas of countries like South Africa. The study assessed the role of digital entrepreneurship in rural SMEs' development in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The study was influenced by the quantitative research methodology, using a non-probability sampling technique to select the study respondents. The sample size of 383 owners and managers of rural SMEs was drawn from the three selected district municipalities in KZN, namely Harry Gwala, uMkhanyakude, and uMzinyathi. The collected data was analysed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Indications from the study findings revealed that the majority of the study respondents acknowledge that digital entrepreneurship practices are a catalyst for the development of rural SMEs. Over 70% of the study respondents articulated that the utilisation of digital platforms by SMEs in rural KZN has since improved operational efficiency, revenue streams and access to markets for the rural SMEs. Conclusions drawn from the study findings revealed that rural economic growth and development can be stimulated through the use of digital entrepreneurship by SMEs. The study recommends that there is a need for targeted support from technology service providers, policy makers and government agencies to enhance funding mechanisms, training and digital infrastructure tailored for the needs of the rural SMEs.
Influence, Digital Entrepreneurship, SME Development