Authors:
Valentina Ndou
;
Pasquale Del Vecchio
and
Laura Schina
Affiliation:
University of Salento, Italy
Keyword(s):
Digital marketplaces, SMEs, Business models.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Applications
;
Business and Social Applications
;
Collaborative Business Systems
;
e-Business
;
Enterprise Information Systems
;
Enterprise Software Technologies
;
Software Engineering
;
Supply-Chain Management
;
Virtual Organizations
Abstract:
In the networked economy firms are recognizing the power of the Internet as a platform for creating different forms of relationships and collaborations aimed to enhance value and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Digital Marketplaces represent one of the most powerful solutions adopted by firms to support the networking practices among firms, especially among SMEs. However in developing countries the potentialities of digital marketplaces remains largely unexploited. Different human, organizational and technological factors, issues and problems pertain in these countries, requiring focused studies and appropriate approaches. This article argues that in order for firms in developing countries to benefit from digital marketplace platforms it is necessary to root them in an assessment study which permits to understand the firms preparedness to use the digital marketplace in terms of technological infrastructure, human resources’ capabilities and skills, integration and innov
ation level among firms. Based on the outcomes of this assessment it is then possible to find out a viable digital marketplace model that fits with actual readiness status of firms and helps them to develop progressively the necessary resources and capabilities to enhance their competitiveness in the current digital economic landscape.
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