Assessing ICT Impact on Entrepreneurial Potential  in Developing Economies: Insights from Colombia

This paper examines how digital technologies can aid resource-driven developing countries in transitioning to knowledge and service-driven economies. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals highlight the importance of ICT in reducing global inequalities and fostering knowledge economies. Despite this, policy efforts are hindered by a lack of predictors explaining transformation factors. Focusing on Colombia, which has implemented initiatives to reduce dependence on primary goods, we analyse individual preparedness for engaging with ICT opportunities. Using data from the 2017 national ICT survey, we developed our own framework – Entrepreneurial Potential Index – measuring readiness for activities like e-commerce and online banking. Logistic regression assessed the Entrepreneurial Potential Index, considering variables such as age, gender, urban/rural area, internet access, education, and occupation. Results show ICT usage significantly influences entrepreneurial activities, with internet access, gender, age, and occupation being key factors.