Structural and Technical Constraints Limiting the Adoption of E-Commerce Models in Medium-Sized Enterprises in Libya: A Diagnostic Study under Economic Crises

Abstract

This study aims to diagnose and analyze the structural and technical constraints limiting the adoption of e-commerce models in medium-sized enterprises in Libya amid successive economic crises. The study adopted a descriptive analytical methodology, applying a questionnaire to a stratified random sample of 287 managers and specialists in 85 medium-sized enterprises in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Misrata. The results revealed five main constraints: weak telecommunications and information technology infrastructure (mean 4.52 out of 5), absence of legislation and laws supporting e-commerce (4.38), lack of technical skills and competencies (4.21), instability of electronic payment systems (4.09), and low levels of digital trust among senior management (3.95). The results also showed statistically significant differences in the impact of constraints according to enterprise size and sector of activity. The study recommends establishing a national authority for e-commerce regulation, developing partnerships with international electronic payment service providers, launching specialized training programs for capacity building, and formulating a national digital transformation strategy that considers the specificities of Libyan economic crises.