Use and appropriation of Information and Communications Technologies in small and medium enterprises and its relation with competitiveness

This article reviews some uses of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in SMEs, both in the world and in Latin America and Colombia, in order to show that these tools have contributed to increase their productivity and competitiveness. According to studies conducted by different institutions worldwide, GDP and productivity increase as the use and appropriation of ICT grow in enterprises. The research was based on secondary data. Results show how developed countries have significantly boosted the use of ICT in their businesses, while in Latin America there is a lower degree of progress. Colombia is surpassed by several countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Costa Rica.