THE IMPROVEMENT OF MSME PERFORMANCE THROUGH BUSINESS INNOVATION, RISK MANAGEMENT, AND DIGITAL FINANCE

Abstract The present research examines the empirical evidence of the influence of Digital Finance, Business Innovation and Risk Management on MSME performance. The sample used in this study includes 325 respondents from all over cities of Indonesia and Malaysia. Data is processed using Partial Least Square (PLS) software with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results of the study demonstrate that Business Innovation, Digital Finance and Risk Management have positive effects on MSME performance. Digital Finance positively influences Business Innovation and Risk Management. Moreover, Business Innovation and Risk Management mediate the indirect influence of Digital Finance on MSME performance. However, the mediating role of Business Innovation and Risk Management minimizes or inhibits the impact of digital finance on MSME performance. Such findings might be insightful for MSMEs’ managers and would help them anticipate future challenges and efforts to improve the MSME performance, which will ultimately increase the MSME's contributions to the whole economy.