COVID-19 pandemic digitization lessons for sustainable development of micro-and small-enterprises

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has undeniably influenced the global economy and environment. Major victims of the COVID-19 outbreak are Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), especially in developing countries, mainly because of limited use of digital technologies. This paper employs a literature review and personal insights to provide COVID-19 pandemic digitization lessons for sustainable development of MSEs from a technology for social good perspective. We develop a framework to support post COVID19 digital transformation for sustainable development of MSEs. We find that digital payments, especially mobile money, should be a critical digital transformation priority for MSEs. Also, institutions must support MSE resources and capabilities to adopt digital transformation for business continuity, and sustainable production and consumption. Our study suggests that MSE managers and other stakeholders rethink their business strategies, incorporating crisis scenarios and business continuity plans to sustain customers virtually to enhance sustainable development. We also propose further research areas to improve the successful digital transformation of MSEs post COVID-19. (C) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy and environment, with Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in developing countries being major victims due to limited use of digital technologies. To support the sustainable development of MSEs, prioritizing digital payments like mobile money, and providing institutional support to enhance resources and capabilities for digital transformation are crucial. Collaborative efforts from MSE managers and stakeholders in revisiting business strategies, incorporating crisis scenarios, and implementing business continuity plans virtually are recommended for sustainable development, with potential for further research areas to improve post COVID-19 digital transformation of MSEs.