---
title: "Earlier Adoption of New Technology Is Linked to Stronger Business Performance"
locale: "en"
language: "en-HK"
published: "2014-11-19T10:27:20+08:00"
updated: "2026-03-17T23:06:08.353Z"
canonical: "https://accordhk.com/blog/earlier-adoption-of-new-technology-is-linked-to-stronger-business-performance-247"
---

# Earlier Adoption of New Technology Is Linked to Stronger Business Performance

The study “The Digital Dividend: First-Mover Advantage” found that IT pioneers were more likely to lead their peers in revenue growth and market position. Turning technology into business value also requires collaboration, new processes and a culture of innovation.

## In brief

Businesses that adopt new technology early are more likely to outperform their peers in revenue growth and market position. The study also highlights the need for cross-departmental collaboration, new processes and business models, and a culture of innovation.

Technology is evolving rapidly and having an increasing impact on businesses. The latest study, “The Digital Dividend: First-Mover Advantage”, shows that the earlier businesses adopt [new technology](<https://www.accordhk.com/>), the stronger their business performance.

The study surveyed 672 business and technology leaders from around the world about the impact of 5 major technologies: [mobile devices](<https://www.accordhk.com/mobile-app-development/>), social media, cloud computing, advanced analytics and M2M (machine-to-machine) communications.

73% of respondents use cloud computing

The study found that 57% of respondents regard [information technology](<https://www.accordhk.com/mobile-application-developer/>) as an investment that can drive innovation and business growth. Respondents reported widespread use of various technologies: 73% said they were using cloud computing, 61% made extensive use of mobile data, 83% were using social media and collaboration tools for business purposes, and 20% used machine-to-machine communications.

However, adopting technology alone is not enough to achieve substantial business growth. Becoming an IT “pioneer” offers businesses a chance to stand out. The study divided respondents into 3 categories based on their readiness to adopt technology: IT “pioneers” (34%), “followers” (35%) and “cautious” adopters (30%）。

The results showed that IT “pioneer” companies were more likely to lead their peers in both revenue growth and market position. 20% of IT “pioneers” recorded revenue growth of more than 30%, with growth more than twice that of “followers” and 3 times that of “cautious” adopters. “Follower” companies monitor market conditions and invest in new technology only after its effectiveness has been demonstrated. “Cautious” adopters wait until new technology has matured before considering adoption, making them cautious [users of technology](<https://www.accordhk.com/app-company/>)。

Cross-departmental collaboration plays a key role

Cross-departmental collaboration also plays a key role in business operations. The report noted that 25% of respondents described themselves as having been “actively involved”, while 48% said they had been “somewhat involved”. Among them, 42% were executives, 30% were senior managers and 14% were managers at other levels. Fewer than 10% of respondents worked in IT departments.

The data showed that IT had become fully integrated into the wider business environment. Businesses that continue to separate IT from their operations, or allow departments to work in isolation within their own functions, put their business at a serious disadvantage. The editor for research and special projects said: “Businesses must focus on using technology to build new processes and business models so that new technology can deliver a tangible competitive advantage. Businesses must also be more flexible in how they [apply technology](<https://www.accordhk.com/mobile-application-developer/>) and embed a spirit of innovation in their corporate culture to realise genuine business value.

## Frequently asked questions

### What did the study find about early technology adoption?

IT pioneers were more likely to lead their peers in revenue growth and market position. Among these pioneers, 20% recorded revenue growth of more than 30%.

### Which technologies did the study examine?

The study examined mobile devices, social media, cloud computing, advanced analytics and M2M communications. It surveyed 672 business and technology leaders from around the world.

### How did pioneers, followers and cautious adopters differ?

Pioneers adopted new technology early. Followers waited until its effectiveness had been demonstrated, while cautious adopters waited until the technology had matured before considering adoption.

### How can businesses turn technology into business value?

The article highlights cross-departmental collaboration and the use of technology to build new processes and business models. It also calls for more flexible technology use and a spirit of innovation embedded in corporate culture.