Enhancing Digital Maturity and Analytical Capabilities of SMEs: A Framework for Data-Driven Innovation
By Heider Jeffer
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are integral to economic growth and innovation, yet they often face challenges in integrating advanced digital technologies into their business processes. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) presents both opportunities and obstacles. SMEs frequently lack the resources, knowledge, and strategies to fully leverage these technologies, hindering their ability to achieve digital maturity and long-term competitiveness.
This research aims to investigate the processes, tools, and frameworks that can empower SMEs to adopt and utilize advanced digital technologies effectively. By focusing on their specific needs, this study will explore pathways to improving analytical capabilities and fostering data-driven innovation.
- Assess Digital Maturity: Evaluate the current state of digital readiness among SMEs, identifying gaps and challenges in adopting new technologies.
- Develop Analytical Frameworks: Create scalable and practical tools for SMEs to utilize data and analytics for strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Enable Data-Driven Innovation: Explore methods to integrate data-driven practices into core business functions, enhancing SMEs’ value creation capabilities.
- Collaborative Approaches: Investigate how collaborative ecosystems—such as partnerships with universities, industry, and technology providers—can support SMEs in their digital transformation journey.
- What are the critical barriers SMEs face in achieving digital maturity?
- How can analytical tools be tailored to the unique requirements of SMEs?
- What role do emerging technologies (AI, IoT, cloud computing) play in transforming SMEs’ business processes?
- How can SMEs leverage data to foster innovation and sustain competitive advantage?
The research will employ a mixed-methods approach:
- Quantitative Analysis: Conduct surveys and collect data from SMEs to measure digital maturity and the adoption of analytics tools.
- Case Studies: Analyze specific SMEs to understand their challenges and successes in implementing digital technologies.
- Prototyping: Design and test a framework for analytical tools tailored to SMEs, incorporating AI and IoT applications.
- Workshops and Collaborations: Partner with SMEs, researchers, and industrial stakeholders to validate research findings and refine proposed solutions.
| Year | Tasks and Milestones |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | - Conduct a literature review and identify critical barriers for SMEs' digital transformation. |
| - Develop a survey and collect data from SMEs to assess their digital maturity levels. | |
| - Begin preliminary case studies with selected SMEs. | |
| Year 2 | - Analyze survey and case study data to identify trends and gaps in digital readiness and analytics usage. |
| - Start developing a prototype framework for digital maturity and analytics adoption in SMEs. | |
| - Initiate collaborative workshops with industry stakeholders to refine research objectives. | |
| Year 3 | - Test the prototype framework with pilot SMEs and collect feedback. |
| - Incorporate advanced technologies (e.g., AI, IoT) into the framework for enhanced data-driven innovation. | |
| - Draft and submit academic papers based on initial findings. | |
| Year 4 | - Validate the framework with a broader SME sample through real-world applications. |
| - Finalize and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences. | |
| - Provide practical recommendations for SMEs and industrial stakeholders. |
- A comprehensive framework for assessing and enhancing digital maturity in SMEs.
- Practical recommendations for adopting and integrating advanced analytics and AI tools.
- Scalable solutions for SMEs to transition toward a data-driven innovation model.
- Academic contributions in the form of publications, conferences, and workshops showcasing the research findings.
This research directly aligns with the goals of the Graduate School of Advanced Technology and Enterprising (GATE). By addressing the challenges SMEs face during digital transformation, this work will contribute to bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications in business. It will also complement Linnaeus University's commitment to sustainable societal development and its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.
This proposed research aims to create impactful solutions that empower SMEs to navigate the complexities of digital transformation effectively. Through close collaboration with Linnaeus University, industrial stakeholders, and the broader academic community, this study will generate valuable insights and tools that drive innovation and sustainability in the SME sector.
“I authorize the processing of my personal data pursuant to art. 13 of Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003 - ‘Personal Data Protection Code’ and art. 13 of GDPR 679/16 - ‘European Regulation on the Protection of Personal Data’.”
Heider Jeffer
30th November 2024