Polish SMEs face numerous challenges on their journey towards complete digitisation
Łukasz WYSZKOWSKI
The economy is in a state of dynamic change, driven by digitisation and technological transformations. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this means both obstacles and opportunities. Digital transformation helps increase efficiency, introduce innovation and gain an edge over the competition. Wrocław Technology Park S.A. (WPT), a leading institution for business environments in Poland and a coordinator of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) in Wrocław, plays a crucial role in supporting Polish SMEs in their digital transformation.
Challenges of Digital Transformation for SMEs
.Digitisation involves not only adopting new technologies but also a shift in the way we think about running a business. By leveraging such tools as AI, data analysis, automation or the Internet of Things (IoT), companies can streamline processes, cut costs, and introduce novel services.
Although SMEs are usually very flexible and dynamic, they still encounter barriers to implementing these tools, for example, insufficient funds, technological expertise or cybersecurity concerns. Insufficient organisational preparedness and staffing issues frequently contribute to difficulties in implementing the changes.
Wrocław Technology Park and Digital Innovation Hub
.The European Commission’s EDIH initiative is the answer to the digitisation needs of SMEs. It is part of a European network that supports digitisation by providing SMEs with resources and knowledge for digital adaptation.
EDIHs provide assistance with digital transformation, data analysis, AI and cybersecurity. With access to cutting-edge technology and expert advice, SMEs can test new solutions before implementing them. This minimises investment risk and optimises business processes.
Hurdles of Digital Transformation
.Polish SMEs face numerous challenges on their journey towards complete digitisation. One obstacle is that people aren’t fully aware of the advantages technology offers, which prevents them from taking the initiative to change. WPT addresses these issues by organising workshops, training and consultancy sessions to improve the digital literacy of entrepreneurs and their employees.
Providing access to advanced R&D infrastructure is another important form of support. Companies can mitigate financial and operational risks by testing innovative solutions in a safe environment. Thanks to this, even small businesses can utilise modern tools like automation or the IoT.
Technologies of the Future for Polish SMEs
.Digital transformation encompasses a wide range of solutions that can revolutionise the way businesses operate. Among these solutions, the following play a prominent role:
- artificial intelligence (AI) – enables analysis of large datasets, personalisation of offers and process optimisation;
- automation – reduces operating costs, improves efficiency and enables production to scale faster;
- Internet of Things (IoT) – helps monitor production processes in real-time to optimise and improve product quality;
- cloud computing – offers flexibility, scalability and reduced IT infrastructure costs.
Wrocław Technology Park and Digital Innovation Hub work together to help SMEs test and implement these technologies, customising them to the needs of the specific business sector.
Global Trends in Digitisation
.Digitisation has emerged as one of the major focus areas for economies around the world. Countries like the U.S., Germany or Japan invest in technologies of the future to boost their companies’ effectiveness and competitiveness.
The main trends include:
- artificial intelligence for automation of processes, anticipating market changes and personalisation of services;
- blockchain for secure transactions and supply chain transparency;
- cloud solutions for scaling IT resources with the needs of the business.
Benefits of Digital Transformation
.Digitisation brings a number of benefits to businesses, including:
- increased operational efficiency through process automation;
- reduction of costs through better organisation of resources;
- opportunity to bring innovative products and services to market;
- access to new markets through online solutions and global expansion.
Properly executed digital transformation is not just a development tool but also a crucial adjustment to a rapidly evolving market. Digital tools, if successfully implemented, can enable Polish SMEs to adapt to new realities and fully exploit the potential of digitisation as a driving force for the entire economy.
As an institution for Polish business environments and EDIH coordinator, Wrocław Technology Park S.A. is key to speeding up the digital transformation of Polish SMEs. With access to modern technology, consultancy and research infrastructure, companies can successfully implement innovations and increase their competitiveness in the national and international markets.
