SME digitisation refers to the process of adopting and integrating digital technologies into the activities, processes and business models of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
It is a transformation that requires skills, investment, innovation and digital culture, but also offers numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, competitiveness, growth and sustainability.
SMEs represent the productive fabric of our country, with over 4 million active enterprises, employing 34% of workers and generating 41% of total turnover. However, Italian SMEs still lag behind their European and international competitors in digitisation, with a score of 43.6 against 52.6 on the DESI (Digital Economy and Society Index), which measures a country’s level of digitisation.
To bridge this gap, Italian SMEs can and must seize the opportunities offered by digital transformation, i.e. the organisational and strategic change that exploits the potential of digital technologies to create new ways of working, communicating, interacting and creating value.
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SME digitisation: what it consists of
The digitisation of SMEs is not limited to the simple adoption of new technological tools, but implies an overhaul of processes, skills, culture and corporate governance, to make them more agile, flexible, customer-oriented and data-driven. Some examples of digital transformation are:
- the use of cloud computing, which allows remote access to IT resources, reducing costs and increasing scalability and security;
- the implementation of big data analysis, enabling the collection, analysis and use of large amounts of data to improve decision-making, performance and innovation;
- the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), which offers intelligent, automated solutions to solve problems, optimise processes and customise services;
- the development of e-commerce, which expands the potential market, facilitates online sales and improves the customer shopping experience;
- the integration of smart working, which fosters flexibility, collaboration and worker productivity through the possibility of working remotely and in synchronous or asynchronous mode.
SME digitisation measures
To achieve digital transformation, Italian SMEs can count on various incentives and facilities, both at national and European level. Prominent among these is the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), which provides 49 billion euro for the digital transition, of which EUR 23.8 billion for the digitisation of the PA and 25.2 billion euro for the digitisation of businesses.
Among the measures envisaged by the NRP for SMEs are:
1. Transition 4.0 tax credit
The Transition 4.0 tax credit supports investments in tangible and intangible assets related to technological and digital innovation, with a percentage ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent depending on the size of the company and the type of expenditure.
2. Innovation Manager Voucher 2023
The Innovation Manager Voucher 2023 finances expert advice on innovation and digitisation, with a maximum contribution of EUR 40,000 for micro and small enterprises and EUR 80,000 for medium-sized enterprises.
To access these and other opportunities, Italian SMEs can consult the website of the management consulting company JO Consulting, which offers services in the analysis, design, implementation and management of solutions tailored to the needs of each client.
How can you digitise your company?
According to the latest data from the Digital Innovation Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano, 60 per cent of Italian SMEs have already embarked on the digitalisation path, but there is still a long way to go.
The question we have to answer is: what can you concretely do to digitise your company? Here are some suggestions and aspects you should take care of.
Well optimised website and e-commerce
Having a functional website that is clearly visible on search engines is the first step to a digital presence. If possible, selling online via e-commerce allows you to reach new customers.
Social media
Maintaining a presence on social media such as TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. allows one to get closer to customers, improve brand awareness and promote products and services.
Digital tools
Adopting digital tools such as management software, digital signatures, electronic invoicing and others can streamline processes and save time and resources.
Cybersecurity
Protecting corporate systems and data from cyber attacks is crucial for business continuity.
SME digitisation pays off, as it increases competitiveness, improves internal processes and allows new customers to be reached. However, it requires economic and time investments that not all companies can sustain alone.
That is why we ask you to rely on the expertise of the the JO Group cluster of companies. The group provides digital transformation consulting and services. Founded in 1998, it has built up a broad expertise in several areas, including digital platform development, consulting on European funds, web marketing and much more.
The digitisation of SMEs is a journey, not a destination. It requires time, commitment and a willingness to adapt and learn. With the right guidance and support, even small and medium-sized enterprises can make the most of the opportunities offered by digital transformation.
We are here to accompany you on this journey, providing you with the skills and resources you need to make your business thrive in the digital age. Contact us now by filling out the contact form below or call +390950936053.
JO Group is #borntoinnovate.
