The Study on “Gendered Barriers to Digital and Green Economy in Cambodia”

Project Objective

The study aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Identify what promotes/hinders the utilization of digital/green technologies in Cambodia.
2. Discuss the feasibility and expected effectiveness of different policy options to provide solid policy recommendations at the end of this study.

Project Description

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) often face challenges in utilizing digital technologies despite the vital roles of these technologies in business development. In particular, female-led MSMEs are less likely to use digital technologies. Previous studies have identified several barriers to digital technology adoption such as poor internet connection, limited knowledge, lack of digital skills. However, it remains unclear whether there is any gendered barrier to digital technology adoption among MSMEs.

Furthermore, the adoption of green technologies often lags among MSMEs due to their limited technical and financial capacity. Since MSMEs can have a greater environmental impact than large firms even though their individual environmental impact may be smaller, it will be crucial to understand their perceived benefits of green technologies and practices for their business.

Our research will provide empirical evidence to understand critical factors that promote or hinder digital and green technologies in the Cambodian MSME sector. In particular, the study will shed light on specific challenges female-led MSMEs face in adopting and using digital and green technologies.