According to research by COSMOTE and ELTRUN, SMEs are maturing digitally

Increasing trends in the digital maturity of small and medium enterprises in 2022 are recorded by the research “The Digital Readiness of Small and Medium Enterprises in Greece”, prepared by the E-Commerce Laboratory (ELTRUN) of the Athens University of Economics and Business on behalf of COSMOTE.

According to the survey data, there is an increase of 10% 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 early stages. Lack of information and education, resources and skills seem to be the main obstacles to the use of digital technologies for small and medium enterprises.

The survey was conducted 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 infrastructure .

During a special event for the presentation of the research, were also announced: the participation of COSMOTE in the new support program for small and medium enterprises “Digital Tools SMEs” of Greece 2.0 of the Ministry of Digital Governance, funded by the Recovery Fund, and its new cycle #GrowYourBusiness. The new action #GrowYourBusiness will start in the fall in collaboration with ELTRUN and will offer free and certified online education to SMEs from the Training and Lifelong Learning Center of the University of Economics. The topics of the program will focus on the development of digital skills of employees of a company, e-commerce, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Internet of Things, etc.

“At COSMOTE we stand by small and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing their digital development, in parallel with the digital progress of the country. The research we conduct with ELTRUN, every two years, offers an important mapping of the digital maturity of SMEs, which are the 99% of businesses in Greece In this year ‘s survey we see that, while SMEs are making progress in the use of digital technologies, there are still inhibitory factors, such as lack of information, digital skills, education and finding resources. action to accelerate their digital transformation, continuing with the next cycle of the #GrowYourBusiness educational action, with a new upgraded form, but also participating in the new support program “Digital Tools for SMEs”. With equal access to digital knowledge and technology can make a world better for everyone. ” said o Mr. Thanos Falangas, Director of Enterprise & Business Marketing & CRM of OTE Group.

THE Professor of the Athens University of Economics and Business, Mr. George Doukidis“Despite their small size, the research shows that 2 out of 3 SMEs using digital technologies were able to overcome the problems due to COVID-19, while 6 out of 10 SMEs gained quantitative benefits, such as cost reduction and increased sales. Despite the progress made, the majority of Greek SMEs are still in the early stages of digital maturity. all stakeholders. ”

Key findings of the research:

There is an increase in the use of digital tools and infrastructure by SMEs in 2022 with research recording increased rates of use of technologies for digital presence, e-commerce, teleconferencing and digital campaigns. 8 out of 10 SMEs seem to have a presence on the internet (Website), while there is an increase to 77% from 65% of the companies that have Websites, which were implemented by professionals. A 40% increase was also recorded in SMEs, which have an e-shop, while it seems that 6 out of 10 SMEs use fixed ERP or CRM systems.

In 2022 there is an increase of 10% in the M.O. of the Digital Readiness Index of SMEs in relation to 2020. The M.O. of companies based on the Digital Readiness Index is currently at 4.49 / 10, while in 2020 it was around 4.06 / 10. The companies are ranked 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, 10 ideal. According to the research, an increase of the 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 out of 3 SMEs utilize digital technologies, in order to be able to deal with the problems from the pandemic. During the last 2 years, 7 out of 10 SMEs noticed an increase in online store traffic and 1 in 2 SMEs with a call center 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, so as to take the 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 equal access for all to the digital age is one of COSMOTE’s priorities for sustainable development, while improving its environmental and social footprint.