ICT for Sustainable Development: Transforming Global Trade and SMEs

Shurui Gu and Hongbo Ma

Sustainable Development, 2026, vol. 34, issue S2, 655-677

Abstract: Technology brings transformative changes in global trade and commerce. The last decade has witnessed a radical change in information and communication technology (ICT), impacting communication, data analysis, and automation, and increasing efficiency and competitiveness. There is a very strong relationship with the use in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the business context around the world. Data were obtained from 455 people from various sectors, and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study illustrates the interactive dynamics of technology, its interaction with trade internationally, and the complexity of the technology as it informs international business. The results showed that digital platforms, e‐commerce, and supply chain management systems provided connectivity to a global market. The novel contribution of the study lies in how the global business landscape is influenced, and it provides an understanding of the dynamics of technology in e‐commerce for sustainable practices. The study's innovation was the technology itself, which brought about a change that presented opportunities for future supply chain optimization and secure international trade. The study demonstrates that the technology is to help develop speed in communication, which facilitates smoother, seamless global trade. Understanding the specific issues faced by businesses will be valuable for adapting to necessary adjustments while shaping the future landscape of business and leveraging the power of technology.

Date: 2026
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https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.70231

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:34:y:2026:i:s2:p:655-677

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