Assessing Digital Readiness of Border SMEs: A Comparative Study Between Bengkalis and Muar

Abdul Latif, Samshul Amry and Putra, Halim Dwi and Aswandi, Aswandi (2025) Assessing Digital Readiness of Border SMEs: A Comparative Study Between Bengkalis and Muar. Journal of Economic, Business and Accounting, 8 (6). pp. 1837-1843. E-ISSN 2597-5234

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Abstract

This study aims to assess and compare the digital readiness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) located in the border regions of Bengkalis, Indonesia, and Muar, Malaysia, as they confront the accelerating demands of Industry 4.0. The objectives are to identify the level of technological adoption, evaluate the enabling and inhibiting factors for digital transformation, and determine the role of local ecosystems in supporting SME digitalization in these two geographically connected but administratively distinct areas. Despite growing interest in digital economy initiatives across Southeast Asia, border-area SMEs remain under-researched, especially in terms of their preparedness for digital competition and cross-border market integration.Aquantitative comparative approach was employed using structured questionnaires distributed to 100 SMEs, equally divided between Bengkalis and Muar. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and correlation analyses to highlight readinessgaps and similarities across key dimensions such as infrastructure, skills, organizational strategy, and external support systems.This research is significant for policymakers, development agencies, and academic communities interested in narrowing the digital divide and strengthening cross-border SME ecosystems. The findings are expected to contribute to the formulation of targeted interventions, particularly through Penta-helix collaboration involving government, academia, private sector, media, and communities, to boost SME competitiveness and sustainability in border regions.The study underscores the need for localized digital strategies that recognize socio-economic and cultural differences across national boundaries

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Digital Readiness, SMEs, Border Economy, Cross-Country Comparison
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB3711 Business cycles. Economic fluctuations H Social Sciences > HF Commerce H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business. Business Administration > HF5717 Business communication
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages
Depositing User:	Dr Samshul Amry Abdul Latif
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2025 12:08
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2025 12:08
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q565
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125209

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