Identifying effective internal factors on IT adoption in food industry SMEs

Information technology is one of the driving forces that is used extensively and IT adoption can provide new opportunities and great advantages for businesses. SMEs as the engine of economic growth can use IT to improve their position and overcome their weaknesses in today competitive environments. The aim of this research is to identify the effective internal factors on IT adoption in Food industry SMEs with qualitative research method that was conducted. The qualitative research method has been used in the form of a case study. The research data collection tools consist of semi-structured interviews. The research statistical population includes the expert individuals engaged in IT adoption in the SMEs of Food industry in East Azerbaijan Province of Iran. 18 interviews were conducted before data saturation reached. The results of the qualitative research indicate that five categories of internal factors including top management, resources, organizational features, personnel, IT systems features were identified. In each category there are some internal factors that have been presented in this study. The managers and policy makers of food industry SMEs for successful IT adoption should devise proper strategies in light of these factors.