TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES FOR FIRMS IN POST-SOVIET AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES DURING THE 2008-2009 CRISIS

This paper examines whether the 2008–2009 global financial crisis affected technology adoption trends among post-Soviet and other firms in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It focuses on three key indicators: the use of email for communication, company websites for product promotion, and access to high-speed internet. The analysis distinguishes between service sector firms and manufacturers. The study finds that post-Soviet firms lagged behind their regional counterparts in all aspects of technology use—both during and after the crisis—regardless of sector. Nevertheless, technology adoption increased among both groups despite the economic shock. Perceptions of telecommunications as a business obstacle also improved: initially viewed as a “minor” to “moderate” issue, it was generally seen as a “no” to “minor” obstacle after the crisis. Overall, the findings suggest that the global financial crisis did not derail the region’s positive trajectory in technology adoption.