Abstract:

The use of e-commerce for sales and promotion of products and services has a positive influence on the development of any business. The statistical data show very low usage of e-commerce in Latvian small and medium-sized business sector especially by enterprises located in regions. The paper presents the analysis of reasons for low usage of e-commerce for business development in SME sector and suggests the most effective methods for entrepreneurs’ lifelong learning about new technologies. The survey of SME management and Analytic Hierarchy Process method were used in the analysis of the best methods to improve the lack of knowledge in this sector and factors influencing decision making for lifelong learning. The findings of the research show that lifelong learning courses in the digital environment with interactive presentations and video files can have a positive impact on the solution of this problem. The research results reveal two serious factors influencing a decision to study e-commerce: it is the policy of local and central governments and the European Union institutions. The results of research have practical significance to improve the situation with e-commerce usage for business development in SME sector. The article contains recommendations to involved parties and institutions influencing the process of entrepreneurs’ lifelong learning to positively accelerate economic situation in rural areas. The study gives a new perspective to the use of e-commerce solutions to problems.

Keywords:

E-commerce tools, Analytic Hierarchy Process, lifelong learning, e-learning, entrepreneurs’ skills, business development.