Trust, Security, and Digital Readiness in B2B E-Business Adoption by MSMEs: An Integrated Framework

Abstract

Purpose – This paper examines how trust, security, and digital readiness affect the adoption of B2B e-business by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It integrates these three dimensions as decisive enablers or barriers in B2B digital adoption.

Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol (Paul et al., 2021). This protocol includes three stages: Assembling (searching and identifying relevant literature), Arranging (screening and organising the studies), and Assessing (evaluating, analysing, and synthesising findings). A total of 140 peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2023 were reviewed and coded against technology adoption frameworks such as TOE, TAM, DOI, and UTAUT, with emphasis on trust, security, and readiness in B2B adoption.

Findings – The review reveals that MSME adoption of B2B e-business strongly depends on their ability to establish trust in business relationships, ensure security of digital transactions, and maintain readiness through infrastructure, skills, and organisational capacity. Current research often treats these aspects separately, leading to fragmented insights

Research limitations/implications – Future studies should integrate trust, security, and readiness into process-oriented frameworks that capture the dynamics of MSME adoption in B2B contexts.

 Practical implications – Policymakers and managers can use the proposed framework to develop initiatives on cyber security, digital literacy, supplier verification, and trust-building strategies for B2B platforms.

Originality/value – This study reframes MSME adoption challenges in B2B e-business through an integrated framework centred on trust, security, and readiness. By applying SPAR-4-SLR, it offers a transparent and management-oriented approach to literature synthesis.