Purpose – This study examines how women entrepreneurs in emerging economies can optimize business processes through the adoption of digital technologies, using Business Process Technology (BPT) as a conceptual framework. It explores patterns of technology use, perceived barriers and opportunities that inform the design of differentiated training programs to foster inclusion and digital transformation.
Design/methodology/approach – A sequential exploratory mixed-method design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a survey of 131 women entrepreneurs participating in the program Mujer, que tu negocio crezca mas (Woman, Make Your Business Grow) across six regions of Peru. This phase enabled the identification of digital adoption profiles. Qualitative data from six focus groups complemented these findings by exploring how digital tools are embedded within administrative, commercial, and financial processes, as well as the contextual and gendered conditions shaping their adoption.
Findings – The findings reveal uneven digital maturity, characterized by (1) high adoption of social networks and digital communication channels, contrasted with limited use of financial and e-commerce platforms; (2) a higher level of digital maturity among entrepreneurs who operate a website; (3) the identification of two technology adoption profiles and (4) a comprehensive assessment of business processesthat informed the design of a BPT-based training model grounded in the principles of integration, modeling and automation.
Practical implications – The results provide guidance for designing inclusive training rogramsthatstrengthen digital skills, promote gender equity, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Originality/value – The study integrates BPT theory with empirical evidence on women’s entrepreneurship, proposing a process-oriented training model adaptable to similar contexts in emerging economies
