Technology Adoption, Digital Entrepreneurship and Business Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Karnataka

Abstract

The growing use of digital technologies has created new opportunities for women entrepreneurs by improving market access, customer engagement, financial transactions, and operational efficiency. This study examines the influence of technology adoption on the business performance of women entrepreneurs in Karnataka and the mediating role of digital entrepreneurship. Using a quantitative research design, data from 385 women entrepreneurs are considered through a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Technology adoption, digital entrepreneurship, and business performance are assessed using relevant digital, entrepreneurial, and performance indicators. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, regression, and mediation analysis are employed. The findings show significant positive relationships between technology adoption and business performance (r = 0.618, p < 0.001), technology adoption and digital entrepreneurship (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), and digital entrepreneurship and business performance (r = 0.701, p < 0.001). The regression model explains 55.9% of the variance in business performance, while mediation analysis confirms that digital entrepreneurship partially mediates this relationship. The study highlights the need for policies that strengthen digital capabilities, entrepreneurial skills, market linkages, and strategic technology utilisation among women entrepreneurs.