An Integrated Framework to Overcome Implementation Challenges for ICT SMEs Sustainability in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Fulufhelo Mugivhisa ORCID ↗ · Ivan Govender ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 5 · 601-612
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Abstract
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa's Gauteng Province face high failure rates despite their economic importance, thus creating an urgent need to investigate business sustainability. This research examined the implementation challenges of ICT SMEs and the enhancement of competitiveness through shared value creation. A qualitative, interpretivist design was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 purposively selected ICT SME owners and senior managers in Gauteng Province. The thematic analysis revealed three principal themes. One key finding was that implementation barriers operate at three interconnected levels: the business environment, industry level, and institutional level. At the Business-Environment level, issues include load shedding, regulatory complexity, and funding gaps. The competitive level interrogates incumbent dominance and high buyer power, while the institutional level reviews skills, competencies, time and cost constraints. Another important finding was that SMEs overcome these barriers through value-chain innovations such as energy efficiency, inclusive hiring, and intellectual property development; through strategic positioning, including focused differentiation and organizational agility; and through cluster engagement, such as vendor partnerships and peer networks. Integrating their selected strategies yields productivity gains, cost reductions, and incidental shared value. The study proposes a Resilience-Through-Shared-Value Framework that provides entrepreneurs with a four-phase process for turning barriers into advantages. It also provides policymakers with guidance on tiered compliance and on infrastructure support and development, and development agencies with a diagnostic framework for multi-barrier mentorship programs.
Keywords: {'name': 'Business sustainability'}, {'name': 'ICT SMEs'}, {'name': 'implementation challenges'}, {'name': 'PESTLE'}, {'name': "Porter's Five Forces Model"}, {'name': 'Resource-Based View'}, {'name': 'shared value'}
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Fulufhelo Mugivhisa
Durban University of Technology
Ivan Govender
Durban University of Technology
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