| dc.description.abstract | Digital tools for entrepreneurial idea evaluation offer structured analysis, automated
scoring, and guided feasibility assessments. However, adoption of these tools among
early-stage entrepreneurs in developing countries remains limited. This exploratory
study investigates the barriers to using digital tools for entrepreneurial idea evaluation
in Sri Lanka. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis
was conducted with 12 participants, including micro-business owners, freelancers,
online startup founders, and university-level aspiring entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis
revealed four key barriers including limited awareness of evaluation methods and
digital tools, usability and accessibility challenges, emotional and psychological factors
such as fear and uncertainty, and strong demand for simplified, culturally relevant,
and guided solutions. Findings highlight a mismatch between existing tools primarily
designed for developed markets and the needs of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, who seek
beginner-friendly platforms that build confidence and support decision-making. This
study contributes to understanding digital adoption barriers in a developing-country
context and identifies opportunities for designing tailored digital evaluation platforms.
Limitations include the small, non-random sample and potential education-related bias,
which restrict generalizability; however, the study provides valuable insights for future
research, tool design, and policy development. | en_US |
