Exploring Factors Affecting the Digitization of Blue Economy Micro- Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Indonesian Context

This study aims to identify the factors supporting and inhibiting the digitalization of blue economy MSMEs in Bitung, Indonesia. The literature shows little research on digitalization related to the blue economy in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia. This indicates that there is a large research gap related to digitalization and the blue economy in the Indonesian context. Data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires with open-ended questions to blue economy MSMEs. Data was also obtained from in-depth interviews with representatives of Aruna, an Indonesian company that focuses on simplifying the supply chain of fishery products by connecting small-scale fishers to the global market through technology. According to the study's findings, two primary factors-motivation to develop their business and efforts to maintain seller-buyer interaction-support SMEs' use of technology in the blue economy. However, digital literacy and technological infrastructure, such as the internet network, are the two main factors that become obstacles in the effort to digitize MSMEs in the blue economy. The role of the government is also a contingent factor that can strengthen the relationship between factors that support digitization and weaken the relationship between factors that hinder digitalization.