Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Journal
Vol 8 No 2 (2026): Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Journal (May)

Digital Marketing, Digital Finance, and Electronic Payment Systems as Drivers of SME Financial Performance: A Conceptual Framework for Emerging Economies

Mustapha Badamasi (Azman University, Kano)
Kabiru Tsoho (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 May 2026

Abstract

This conceptual paper investigates the unique theoretical connections between the adoption of digital technologies, namely digital marketing, digital finance, and electronic payment systems, and the financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies, particularly within the Nigerian context. While empirical research frequently treats digital transformation as a singular entity, this paper employs a multi-theoretical framework, incorporating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Resource-Based View (RBV), and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Theory, to analyze the specific value contributions of various digital tools. The study formulates a detailed conceptual framework and puts forth a series of theoretical propositions, contending that digital finance improves capital liquidity, digital marketing facilitates market growth through network effects, and electronic payment systems minimize transaction friction. The proposed framework serves as a guide for future researchers to empirically validate these distinct pathways and offers policymakers a theoretical foundation for targeted interventions in digital infrastructure.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

BIEJ

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences Other

Description

Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Journal peer-reviewed and published four times a year in May, August, November and February. This journal is managed by the Faculty of Entrepreneurship at Universitas Garut - Indonesia. The paper is an original script and has a research base on management, ...