A Conceptual Model for Overcoming Cloud Adoption Barriers in Small and Medium Enterprises in Emerging Economies

• Author(s): Jolly I. Ogbole; Precious Osobhalenewie Okoruwa; Odunayo Mercy Babatope; Winner Mayo
• Paper ID: 1713058
• Page: 445-467
• Published Date: 31-03-2019
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 2 Issue 9 March-2019

Abstract

Cloud computing has emerged as a transformative enabler for innovation, operational flexibility, and cost efficiency across business environments. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies continue to face significant challenges that hinder successful cloud adoption—from infrastructural limitations and cybersecurity concerns to skills shortages, organizational resistance, high initial costs, and regulatory uncertainties. This review synthesizes existing literature on cloud adoption frameworks, identifies dominant technological, organizational, environmental, and socio-economic barriers, and evaluates how these constraints uniquely affect SMEs in developing regions. By integrating insights from the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, and resource-based perspectives, the study proposes a holistic conceptual model that maps interrelated barriers and outlines pathways for overcoming them. The model emphasizes strategic capacity-building, policy alignment, digital skills development, trust-building mechanisms, and scalable cloud service designs tailored to resource-constrained contexts. This review contributes to ongoing discourse by offering a context-specific theoretical foundation to guide policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in designing targeted interventions that can accelerate cloud adoption among SMEs in emerging economies.

Keywords

Cloud Adoption, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Emerging Economies, Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) Framework, Adoption Barriers, Conceptual Model.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Jolly I. Ogbole, Precious Osobhalenewie Okoruwa, Odunayo Mercy Babatope, Winner Mayo "A Conceptual Model for Overcoming Cloud Adoption Barriers in Small and Medium Enterprises in Emerging Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 2 Issue 9 2019 Page 445-467 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV2I9-1713058

IEEE:
Jolly I. Ogbole, Precious Osobhalenewie Okoruwa, Odunayo Mercy Babatope, Winner Mayo "A Conceptual Model for Overcoming Cloud Adoption Barriers in Small and Medium Enterprises in Emerging Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 2(9) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV2I9-1713058