ICT adoption and use as drivers of knowledge acquisition, organizational performance, and corporate entrepreneurship: evidence from tourism SMEs in Colombia

This article investigates the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption and use on knowledge acquisition, organizational performance, and corporate entrepreneurship among tourism SMEs in Cali, Valle del Cauca (Colombia). The research employs a quantitative, correlational design with a probabilistic sample of 110 firms, applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the proposed hypotheses. The findings reveal that ICT adoption exerts a significant influence on organizationalperformance , knowledge acquisition , and corporate entrepreneurship , underscoring the role of technological infrastructure as a critical driver of competitiveness. Additionally, ICT use and orientation demonstrate positive, albeit more modest, effects, suggesting that the practical appropriation of digital tools enhances and complements existing infrastructure. Furthermore, knowledge acquisition is confirmed as a mediating construct that transforms digital capabilities into organizational learning and innovation. Overall, the results align with theoretical perspectives such as absorptive capacity and knowledge creation, while highlighting the strategic importance of public policies that reinforce digital infrastructure and foster technological competencies within the regional tourism sector.