Has COVID-19 made SMEs more open to ICT adoption? Insights from the Philippines

The purpose of this study was to explore whether the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has influenced SMEs to adopt relevant information and communication technologies (ICTs). Employing interviews for data collection, this study analysed the factors that influence Philippine SMEs to adopt ICTs in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We extend the TOE (Technology, Organisation and Environment) model to explore factors and their dynamics to ICT adoption amidst the global health crisis. Findings reveal that COVID-19 has made SMEs more open to adopt ICTs. Further, ICT adoption in Philippine SMEs is influenced by perceived utility of ICTs in managing the risk of COVID-19, awareness on the benefits of ICTs, availability and reliability of IT infrastructure, role of external change agents, social pressure, and market forces.