Abstract

Purpose - With the rapid development of information technology, the digital economy has become an important grip of the new development pattern, and the digital transformation of enterprises is a major trend. As SMEs are the mainstay of the economy and employment, it is important to study the digital transformation of SMEs to promote the development of the digital economy. Research design, data, and methodology - Based on a resource-based view, this report analyses the current situation and issues of digital transformation of SMEs from the perspective of digital orientation as well as the breadth and depth of technological capabilities of enterprises, using data from a survey of 200 manufacturing enterprises in China. Result - The results show that SMEs generally have a digital transformation mindset, but a weak digital foundation. In order to execute a digital strategy, companies need digital transformation capabilities. These behavioral capabilities are guided by the strategic direction of the business, and companies with strong capabilities are always trying to tap into the full digital potential. Conclusion - In order to effectively promote the digital transformation of SMEs, we suggest that SMEs pay attention to digital capability building, make good use of digital platforms and network resources, and lay a solid foundation for digital transformation; meanwhile, we suggest that government departments play a guiding and supporting role to build a cross-industry and cross-sector digital synergy system to help promote the development of SMEs' digital transformation. This paper presents some suggestions from both the internal and external environment of the enterprise, with the expectation of contributing to the digital transformation practices of SMEs.