Barriers and Enablers to Competitive Intelligence Adoption in South African SMEs: A Contextual Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities
Barriers and Enablers to Competitive Intelligence Adoption in South African SMEs: A Contextual Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities

Summary/Abstract: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are important for growth, jobs, and new ideas in South Africa's fast-changing economy. However, they still can't use and integrate Competitive Intelligence (CI), a strategic tool that helps businesses become more sustainable and responsive to the market. The objective of this study is to examine how many SMEs in South Africa are currently using CI and identify the main factors that make it easier or harder to use. The research specifically examines the impact of structural difficulties, including financial limitations, insufficient management and technical competence, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory complications, on the strategic utilisation of CI for the sustainability of SMEs. A quantitative study design was utilised, employing a selfadministered web-based questionnaire sent to 400 SMEs in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, yielding 179 valid replies. To ensure the data were reliable and to identify relevant patterns, we used descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha. The results show significant gaps in CI awareness, resource allocation, and strategy integration. They also show that there are ways to improve through focused interventions, capacity building, and support for legislative frameworks. This study enhances comprehension of CI dynamics in resource-limited SME contexts and offers practical guidance for policymakers, development agencies, and SME stakeholders. The research supports the strategic development of SMEs in line with South Africa’s National Development Plan and its objectives for inclusive economic transformation by addressing obstacles and leveraging the facilitators of CI adoption.

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