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Azotani, Benedict Onyema (2025) Technology-Enabled International Business and Firm Performance: A Cross-Country Comparative Analysis Dissertation (MSCIB1). Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.
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Abstract
Technological advancement has gained significance as a key component facilitating firms to engage in international business. Digital tools shape communication, transactions, market access and performance of the firms. This study investigated the role of technology in international business, focusing on the variations across economic contexts and how digital infrastructure influence firm-level outcomes. Adopting a pragmatic philosophy, the research employed a convergent mixed-methods design. Quantitative analysis was conducted using datasets from World Bank and World Economic Forum. This was complemented with systematic qualitative synthesis guided by grounded theory coding of recent scholarly literature. The study operationalised technology through measures such as broadband penetration, adoption of cloud technology, presence of data governance regulatory frameworks and digital platforms. The analysis revealed a pronounced global digital divide with near-universal connectivity in high-income regions such as 97.9% internet penetration in Northern Europe. This contrasted sharply with limited access in emerging economies like Eastern Africa (28.5%). The study further determined that country-level operational ecosystems determined the ability of a firm to leverage technology for international business. For instance, with international trade efficiency score of 92.3, Singapore’s environment was conducive for firms to expand globally. On the contrary, emerging economies like Pakistan (21.3) in international trade efficiency highlighted significant constraints for business to establish and expand internationally. The interconnectedness in country- and firm-level metrics implied weaknesses in one amplifies deficiencies in others which trap firms and particularly small and medium enterprises. The findings of the study implied that firms in developing economies need to navigate complex infrastructural and institutional constraints by calibrating technology adoption and market selection. Policymakers in emerging economies should implement holistic interventions such as integrated investment in both digital infrastructure and physical trade networks coupled with institutional reforms to streamline regulations. The interventions are critical in facilitating global expansion of firms.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Supervisors: | Name Email O'Connor, James UNSPECIFIED |
| Subjects: | T Technology > T Technology (General) H Social Sciences > Economics > Business H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Business Logistics |
| Divisions: | School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Science in International Business |
| Depositing User: | Ciara O'Brien |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Dec 2025 14:22 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Dec 2025 14:22 |
| URI: | https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9028 |
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