A Conceptual Development of Digital Trade Adoption among Manufacturing Companies in China: A Technology Acceptance Model Approach

Abstract

The proliferation of digital technologies has brought about transformative changes in various sectors, including manufacturing. In the context of China, a prominent manufacturing hub, the adoption of digital trade practices has emerged as a critical determinant of competitiveness and sustainability for manufacturing companies. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the factors influencing the adoption of digital trade among manufacturing firms in China, employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical lens. Drawing upon extant literature and empirical insights, this conceptual paper identifies key constructs within the TAM framework, such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward digital trade, and behavioral intention, and adapts them to the specific context of digital trade adoption in the Chinese manufacturing sector. It explores how factors such as organizational readiness, technological infrastructure, government policies, and cultural factors influence the perceived usefulness and ease of use of digital trade platforms among manufacturing companies in China. Moreover, this paper extends the traditional TAM model by incorporating additional constructs such as trust in technology, perceived risk, and organizational innovativeness, which are deemed essential in understanding the complexities of digital trade adoption in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. It underscores the significance of trust-building mechanisms, risk mitigation strategies, and organizational culture in facilitating the successful implementation of digital trade initiatives within manufacturing enterprises in China. The proposed conceptual framework contributes to both theoretical and practical understandings of digital trade adoption by elucidating the interplay between technological factors, organizational dynamics, and contextual influences within the Chinese manufacturing context. By offering insights into the determinants of digital trade adoption and the mechanisms for enhancing acceptance and utilization of digital trade platforms, this paper aims to inform policymakers, industry practitioners, and scholars engaged in the promotion and facilitation of digital transformation within the manufacturing sector in China and beyond.