The survey "The Digital Readiness of Small and Medium Enterprises in Greece"conducted by the E-Commerce Laboratory (ELTRUN) of the Athens University of Economics and Business on behalf of COSMOTEAccording to the survey data, there is a 10% increase in the average Digital Readiness Index compared to 2020 and 1 in 5 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is already in advanced stages of digital readiness, while 1 in 2 SMEs is still in the initial stages. The lack of information and education, resources and skills seem to be the main obstacles to the utilization of digital technologies for small and medium enterprises.
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The survey was carried out[1] nationwide in March and April 2022, following a previous corresponding survey in 2020. The survey also reflects the Digital Readiness Index of Small and Medium Enterprises, which records their digital maturity, based on the adoption and use of 10 important digital tools and infrastructures.
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During a special event to present the research, COSMOTE 's participation in the new support program for small and medium-sized enterprises "Digital Tools for SMEs" of Greece 2.0 of the Ministry of Digital Governance, funded by the Recovery Fund, and the new cycle of # GrowYourBusiness were also announced . The new action # GrowYourBusiness will start in the fall in collaboration with ELTRUN and will offer free and certified online training to SMEs from the Center for Training and Lifelong Learning of the University of Economics. The themes of the program will focus on the development of digital skills of a company's employees, in e-commerce, Digital Marketing, Social Media, the Internet of Things, etc.
"At COSMOTE, we stand by small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthening their digital development, in parallel with the country's digital progress. The research we conduct with ELTRUN, every two years, offers an important mapping of the digital maturity of SMEs, which constitute 99% of businesses in Greece. In this year's research, we see that, while SMEs are making progress in the utilization of digital technologies, there are still inhibiting factors, such as the lack of information, digital skills, education and finding resources. For these reasons, we are intensifying our action to accelerate their digital transformation, continuing with the next cycle of the #GrowYourBusiness educational action, with a new upgraded format, but also by participating in the new support program "Digital Tools for SMEs". With equal access to digital knowledge and technology, we can create a better world for everyone." stated Mr. Thanos Falangas, Director of Enterprise & Business Marketing & CRM of OTE Group.
Professor of the Athens University of Economics and Business, Mr. George Doukidis, stated in this regard: “Despite their small size, the survey records that 2 out of 3 SMEs, by utilizing digital technologies, were able to overcome the problems caused by COVID-19, while 6 out of 10 SMEs obtained quantitative benefits, such as cost reduction and increased sales. Despite the progress made, the majority of Greek SMEs are still in the initial stages of digital maturity. The digital transformation of SMEs needs to be accelerated by further utilizing new technologies. To promote the digital readiness and competitiveness of SMEs, systematic and coordinated actions are needed from all stakeholders.”
Key conclusions of the research:
An increase is observed in the use of digital tools and infrastructure by SMEs in 2022 with the research recording increased rates of use of technologies for digital presence, e-commerce, teleconferencing and digital campaigns. 8 out of 10 SMEs appear to have a presence on the internet (Website), while there is also an increase to 77% from 65% of companies that have Websites, which were implemented by professionals. A 40% increase was also recorded in SMEs that have an e-shop, while it appears that 6 out of 10 SMEs use fixed ERP or CRM systems.
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In 2022, there is a 10% increase in the A.V. of the Digital Readiness Index of SMEs compared to 2020. The A.V. of companies based on the Digital Readiness Index is currently 4.49/10, while in 2020 it ranged at 4.06/10. Companies are classified in the index, according to the use of the 10 digital technologies they utilize, in five evolutionary stages: 1-2 elementary stage (Elementary), 3-4 basic (Basic), 5-6 medium (Medium), 7-9 advanced (Advanced), 10 ideal (Ideal). According to the research, an increase in companies that are included in the advanced stage (Advanced) is also recorded. More specifically 1 in 5 SMEs is already in advanced stages of digital readiness, while 1 in 2 SMEs is still in the initial stages (Elementary, Basic).
Due to COVID-19, 1 in 2 SMEs used more tools for teleworking and teleconferencing and carried out more digital promotions. Also, 2 in 3 SMEs are leveraging digital technologies to help them cope with the problems caused by the pandemic. Over the past 2 years, 7 in 10 SMEs have seen an increase in online store traffic and 1 in 2 SMEs with a call center have recorded an increase in online sales.
The main findings of the research, as well as COSMOTE's initiatives to support SMEs, can be seen at: growyourbusiness.gr
COSMOTE utilizes the results of the research to undertake appropriate initiatives to enhance the digital maturity of small and medium-sized enterprises and their integration into the modern digital world. Reducing the digital divide and ensuring equal access for all in the digital era is one of COSMOTE's sustainable development priorities, while improving its environmental and social footprint.
[1] The survey was conducted using telephone interviews on a sample of 500 Greek businesses with 1-50 employees.
