Discussion on Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Post-epidemic Era

Abstract

Driven by digital technology, China's digital economy is developing rapidly, and its position in the economy and society is getting higher and higher. As the main force of China's economy, employment and GDP, SMEs have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. It is of great practical significance to study the digital transformation of SMEs for the relief and development of SMEs after the epidemic and to promote the development of China's digital economy. A questionnaire survey was conducted on the status quo, problems and policy appeals of China's small and medium-sized enterprises' digital transformation. The survey object was the principals of 925 small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. The survey questions included 11 issues such as difficulties faced by enterprises in business operation, application of digital technology, effectiveness of digital transformation, and driving factors of digital transformation. On this basis, the study was carried out. The survey results show that SMEs in China generally have problems such as lack of digital transformation thinking, weak digital foundation, and large obstacles to digital transformation. The vulnerability of SMEs themselves and the differences between different types of SMEs increase the difficulty of digital transformation. The classified statistics of SMEs based on different dimensions such as the development stage, location, and scale of enterprises show that there are significant differences between different types of SMEs and the total sample, as well as between different types of SMEs in terms of difficulties faced in operation, effectiveness of digital transformation, status quo of digital transformation, application of digital technology, driving factors of digital transformation, and policy appeals; Meeting market demand, improving production efficiency and significantly reducing costs are the driving factors for SMEs to carry out digital transformation, but there are differences between different types of SMEs. In order to effectively promote the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises in China, it is suggested to give full play to the guidance and policy support of government departments based on the policy demands of small and medium-sized enterprises for digital transformation, accelerate the construction of new infrastructure, and provide more solid digital transformation foundation for small and medium-sized enterprises; Take multiple measures to eliminate the shortage of digital talents, improve and innovate the talent training mechanism, and provide talent support for digital transformation; Build a digital platform and network, build a cross industry and cross link digital collaboration system, open up the digital transformation path of SMEs, and boost their digital transformation and development.