Digital activity of Polish small enterprises

Abstract

Purpose: Digital transformation affects all spheres enterprises operate in regardless of their size and industry. Its impact is analyzed by the representatives of various sciences and business practitioners as well as. The objective of the article is to present theoretical and empirical research on the digital activity of Polish small enterprises. Design/methodology/approach: Two methods were used to achieve the objective. The method of literature review consisted in the analysis of literature in the field of digitalization and digital transformation. It gave the foundation for the development of methodological assumptions. The diagnostic poll method with the use of the survey technique was employed to conduct the empirical study among Polish small enterprises. The results of the research allowed the organizations’ activity to be assessed. Findings: The study indicated that the digital activity of Polish small enterprises is not satisfactory. Their innovation is low, investment in ICT is sporadic and insufficient. Predominantly, the enterprises implement ICT solutions which do not require expert digital competences. The surveyed companies recognize the benefits of digitalization and its significant impact on opportunities for development. Digitalization is hampered by fears of incurring high costs, necessity of employing IT specialists or supplementing digital competences of the management and employees. Research limitations/implications: The present study examined the issue of digital activity of small enterprises and enabled the adopted research assumptions to be verified. Prospective research may analyze the digital activity of the surveyed enterprises in terms of age, size and industry groups. Practical implications: The research allowed practical problems of digitalization of small businesses to be identified. A consecutive round of the study conducted in the following year would be worthwhile in order to analyze the dynamics of digital transformation in this sector. Originality/value: The originality of the research consists in introducing the concept of digital activity of enterprises and its assessment exclusively in relation to small enterprises, which are the weakest link in the SME sector. Keywords: small enterprises, digital activity, digital transformation. Category of the paper: Research paper.