| Abstract: |
The lack of awareness of digital services and outcomes is a concern in
business environments since small firms need to improve their digital
competencies. The present exploratory study investigated whether business apps
training was associated with entrepreneurs' and firms' digital advancements.
The business apps training was offered to migrant entrepreneurs running small
firms in Athens (Greece) over three months, with data collected before and
after the training. The analysis revealed that business apps training was
positively associated with entrepreneurs' attitudes toward technology,
willingness to change (relating to technology/skills/operations), and
internet/digital skills, as well as increased use of business apps. Moreover,
the training was positively associated with firms' digital competencies
related to communication, networking, social media, customer relationship
management, payments, accounting and finance, and project management
operations. Furthermore, the business apps training was positively associated
with migrant entrepreneurs' integration into Greek society. Given the
increased number of migrants in Europe, factors that positively impact their
entrepreneurship and integration merit consideration. The study provides
researchers with a systematic method for evaluating the association between
business app training and entrepreneurs' and firms' digital advancements. |
| Keywords: |
training, entrepreneurs, small firms, business apps, digital skills, digital competencies, artificial intelligence, integration |