journal article·2026-01-14Open access

Reviewing and Mapping the Digital Transformation Process of SMEs

Antonios Kargas, Dimitrios Drosos, Faidon Komisopoulos, Dimitrios Katsianis, Eleni Chaniotaki, Theodoros Rokkas, Athanasios Andriopoulos, Vasileios Argyroulis, Spyridon Filios, Georgios Loumos, Dimitrios Kokkinis, Konstantinos Alvertos

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 2

Abstract

Digital transformation is crucial for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it enhances organizational efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness by enabling process automation, cost reduction, and faster decision-making. It also allows for SMEs to leverage emerging technologies, improve customer engagement, and access new markets, thereby fostering innovation and sustainable growth. The proposed study aims to reveal the most significant aspects regarding the digital transformation in the SME business environment. Even though the concept of digital transformation has gained much research interest, SMEs still face significant obstacles, including limited financial resources, a shortage of skilled personnel, and resistance to change within organizational culture. A systematic literature review on the digital transformation of SMEs was conducted to reveal the enablers and obstacles encountered by these businesses in their pursuit of digital maturity. This review underscores the importance of human resources and digital maturity, emphasizing the need for a digitally skilled workforce and a culture of continuous learning. The results can enforce future research on this subject and could focus on the relationship between digital transformation and organizational performance, the role of digital entrepreneurship, and the long-term effects of digital transformation, providing valuable insights to help SMEs navigate the complexities of digital transformation and achieve sustainable growth.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Digital Transformation in Industry · Educational Leadership and Innovation · Organizational and Employee Performance

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece

Department of Digital Industry Technologies, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 34400 Psachna, Greece

Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece

Funding

European Union–NextGenerationEU

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