Bank lending to SMEs plays a vital role in economic growth, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. Access to bank lending is crucial for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they contribute significantly to global employment and GDP. New financial technologies promise better bank operations, fewer costs, and enhanced credit supply to SMEs. However, there is still a lack of empirical findings on how these technologies can solve demand-side bank lending problems for small- and medium-sized firms. This study gathered data from a sample of 381 respondents, comprising CEOs, managers, officers, loan managers, IT consultants, and other relevant stakeholders. The findings indicate that the adoption of blockchain technologies, as well as the adoption of Big Data technologies encompassing cloud computing, data analytics, algorithms, and programming, along with the adoption of mobile banking technologies, have had a substantial positive impact on bank credit supplies for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. This novel study contributes to existing knowledge in two ways. First, it provides knowledge to SMEs looking to adopt new technologies; second, it provides knowledge to a manager looking to finance the SMEs with information asymmetries. This research also provides key findings for researchers and policymakers.
1 September 2023 in Journal of Advanced Research in Education
The educational system in China is characterized by a significant disparity in resources between urban and rural areas. This disparity is influenced by factors such as funding, infrastructure, teacher quality, and curriculum. As a result, students in rural areas face limited access to quality education, which negatively impacts their academic performance and can have psychological effects. Efforts to reduce this disparity include government initiatives, partnerships with NGOs and private organizations, mobile learning, and teacher training programs. However, challenges such as limited funding, cultural barriers, and geographical challenges hinder progress. It is crucial for stakeholders and policymakers to prioritize ongoing efforts to address this disparity, emphasizing community involvement, tailored interventions, collaboration, and continuous monitoring. By promoting social justice and equality in education, we can empower students and contribute to national development and socio-economic mobility.