Rethinking determinants of ICT acceptance : Towards an integrated and comprehensive overview

In the contemporary ICT environment, we are confronted with a growing number of failing innovations.New technological innovations often fail because too much attention is still given to (technical)product-related features without taking into account the most important parameters of useracceptance. In addition, suppliers of ICT products often lack accurate insight into the distinguishedprofiles of their (potential) target audience. In this article theoretical considerations and empiricalresults on this matter are highlighted. First of all, an approach is proposed in which more traditionaland often scattered vision(s) on adoption determinants are broadened into an integrated framework.The approach provides a stronger base for better targeting of (new) users of technologies. Secondly, theauthors elaborate on this by rethinking these determinants with regard to later adopters. Later adopters(or even non-adopters/users) are often ignored in technology acceptance research. However, especiallyfor policy purposes, the understanding of why people do not adopt or do not use ICT is strongly relevantin the light of the development of an inclusive information society. Both approaches are illustrated bycase studies starting from a common list of nineteen ICT appropriation determinants. This frameworkenables to better profile both earlier and later adopters as well as it allows to formulate recommendationshow to bring innovations in the market. Summarizing, this contribution offers an integratedapproach on technology acceptance research by bridging the gap between a market and a policyorientedpoint of view