KEY CHALLENGES HINDERING SMES' FULL BENEFIT FROM DIGITALIZATION - A CASE STUDY FROM SERBIA
Miroslav Miškić,
Bosiljka Srebro,
Milan Rašković,
Maja Vrbanac,
Boris Jevtić
Abstract: The digitization of enterprises, medium-sized and small, stands as a pivotal pathway for their advancements, facilitated by the integration of novel technologies, business paradigms, and market dynamics. This study delves into the ecosystemic factors impeding this digitization journey, stemming from deficiencies in development, accessibility, and investment in connectivity, financial resources, knowledge acquisition, skill enhancement, and regulatory frameworks. In tandem with theoretical deliberations, an empirical investigation was undertaken, encompassing a survey of 264 SME representatives operating within the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors in Serbia, conducted towards the close of 2023. Their responses to 24 delineated statements concerning the influence of various factors on their enterprises' digitization endeavors were meticulously examined. The outcomes underscore the pervasive underdevelopment of all selected factors, posing substantial obstacles to digitization within these SMEs. Notably, the paucity of knowledge, skills, and financial resources at the national ecosystem level emerged as the foremost impediment. Employing regression analysis, bolstered by appropriate analytical software, enabled the meticulous processing of findings. This research augments scholarly discourse by enriching our comprehension of digitalization dynamics, SME economics, institutionalization trends, consumer behavior economics, and marketing strategies. Moreover, it furnishes pragmatic insights tailored to inform decision-making processes among stakeholders entrenched within this domain.
Keywords: SMEs, digitization, ecosystem, connectivity, finance, knowledge, skills, regulations, tourism industry in Serbia.
DOI: 10.24874/IJQR19.02-03
Recieved: 01.05.2024 Accepted: 25.11.2024 UDC:
Reads: 30 
