Policy Briefs  

Addressing Barriers to Digital Adoption Among Cambodian Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises


Published: 12-Dec-2025
Keyword: Digital adoption, MSMEs, digital divide, skills shortages, women entrepreneurs

Abstract/Summary

  • Gender gaps in digital adoption are mainly linked to structural factors affecting business scale rather than gender-specific technology barriers. When firm size is comparable, men and women owners show similar rates of digital adoption.
  • Barriers to digital adoption for MSMEs include limited information, skill shortages, uncertain economic benefits, financial constraints, owners’ business aspirations, unreliable infrastructure, and cybersecurity concerns.
  • Targeted approaches for women entrepreneurs are essential, especially concerning business networks and financial access, as women-owned MSMEs have lower participation rates in business associations and are also less likely to apply for formal loans.
  • Skill shortages are a significant challenge across all MSMEs, with low investment in employee capacity training and in owners’ personal skills development. Gender norms and care burdens contribute to women owners spending less time on skills development. Uncertain perceived economic benefits, coupled with limited access to formal loans, deter investment in digital technology.

Access the full paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.22617/BRF250498-2




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