Bringing SMEs onto the E-Commerce Highway
This publication studies e-commerce-related policies that affect SMEs’ engagement in cross-border e-commerce. It identifies the bottlenecks and requirements of e-commerce participation and presents examples of best practices in regulating cross-border e-commerce. This work addresses competitiveness issues in each segment of the cross-border e-commerce process chain, including establishing business online, international e-payment, cross-border delivery and aftersales services. It provides a checklist of the essential ingredients for SME success in cross-border e-commerce, by examining enabling factors at the firm level, immediate business environment level and national policy level. The publication also reviews global cross-border e-commerce and offers a deeper analysis of selected economies. This work serves as a starting point for a public private dialogue on e-commerce, especially for SMEs in developing countries.
