E-commerce development in Mexico: an empirical research

Abstract

Globalization is experiencing a new stage in which the Internet, as a communication network between people worldwide, is modifying consumption patterns, giving rise to the emergence of the digital economy. In Mexico, the transactions of goods and services through informatic networks have grown over the years, becoming a source of economic growth. This study aims to answer the research question, which are the main variables that have affected the development of e-commerce in Mexico? Therefore, this research's primary objective is to analyze the variables that have had an effect on the development of e-commerce in Mexico for the period from 2007 to 2017. For the research, a PLS regression model was performed. The results obtained show that the variables that have had the most significant impact on e-commerce development in Mexico are R&D spending, urbanization rate, internet penetration, and a portian of internet users who made purchases through the Internet. Based on these variables, it is recommended to create policies that encourage the use of e-commerce within businesses and guarantee users' safety as well as the creation of adequate infrastructure.