How Does Smart Contract Technology Adoption Impact the SME Internationalization Speed?

• In Event: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Blockchain and Its Applications

Abstract

As a disruptive and revolutionary technology, blockchain-based smart contracts technology (SCT) has brought new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing from transaction cost theory and the Uppsala model, this paper proposes a novel model that suggests by adopting SCT, SMEs can reduce their market commitment to foreign markets and perceive less market uncertainty, thus increasing internationalization speed. The model will be tested by questionnaire survey data collected from stakeholders of SMEs and SCT. This study will contribute to the literature on SME internationalization by highlighting the importance of digital technologies as a driving force.

Authors

• Ziwei Ye, Old Dominion University

• MD RASEL AL Mamun, Old Dominion University

• Jing Zhang, Old Dominion University