Digital maturity of Czech SMEs concerning the demographic characteristics of entrepreneurs and enterprises
Abstract
Research background: The digital maturity of Czech SMEs is influenced by various factors, including the strategic management practices within these enterprises.
Purpose of the article: The article aims to assess attitudes toward selected aspects of digital maturity in businesses concerning their demographic characteristics and the demographic characteristics of the respondents.
Methods: To meet the aim of the article, quantitative research was carried out through a questionnaire addressed to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the business environment of the Czech Republic. Statistical methods were verified using non-parametric tests, such as the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Findings & value added: In their daily use, differences in dependence on gender, educational attainment, and age of the entrepreneur are identified. Three of four SME owners/managers said digital skills are needed to fulfil their job responsibilities. There are differences between entrepreneurs regarding the importance of digital skills, expectations, and the presence of computer infrastructure concerning the highest education achieved. There are also partial differences in attitudes with regard to gender. The demographic characteristics of an enterprise, such as the size, duration of the enterprise, and the total value of assets, are only of secondary importance for the perception of digital maturity and SMEs' use of software applications. The effect of demographic characteristics on attitudes towards digital skills and the presence of computer infrastructure in the enterprise has yet to be identified. The findings are important not only for SMEs themselves, but also for structures at the level of national policies responsible for the growth of the business environment. The empirical findings are crucial for national policymakers to better design support systems for SME owners and managers in digital maturity.
Keywords
digital maturity, Czech SMEs, demographic characteristics, strategic management, digital skills
References
- Al Aqeel, A., & Al Mubarak, M. (2024). Benefits of business process automation by digital technologies. Studies in Systems, Decision and Control, 538, 3–19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-62102-4_1
View in Google Scholar - Altuwaijri, B. M., & Kalyanaraman, L. (2020). CEO education-performance relationship: Evidence from Saudi Arabia. Journal of Asian Finance Economics and Business, 7(8), 259–268. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2020.vol7.no8.259
View in Google Scholar - Ashourizadeh, S., & Schøtt, T. (2013). Entrepreneurs’ gender, age and education affecting their networks in private and public spheres: Denmark, Middle East and North Africa. International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 11(4), 380–398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJBG.2013.056875
View in Google Scholar - Avelar, S., Borges-Tiago, T., Almeida, A., & Tiago, F. (2024). Confluence of sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation, and digitalization in SMEs. Journal of Business Research, 170, 114346. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.114346
View in Google Scholar - Begnini, S., Oro, I. M., Tonial, G., & Dalbosco, I. B. (2024). The relationship between the use of technologies and digitalization strategies for digital transformation in family businesses. Journal of Family Business Management, 14(4), 710–726. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-06-2023-0087
View in Google Scholar - Ben Slimane, S., Coeurderoy, R., & Mhenni, H. (2022). Digital transformation of small and medium enterprises: A systematic literature review and an integrative framework. International Studies of Management and Organization, 52(2), 96–120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00208825.2022.2072067
View in Google Scholar - Bettiol, M., Capestro, M., Di Maria, E., & Micelli, S. (2022). Disentangling the link between ICT and Industry 4.0: Impacts on knowledge-related performance. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 71(4), 1076–1098. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-10-2020-0573
View in Google Scholar - Bilan, Y., Tovmasyan, G., & Dallakyan, S. (2024). The impact of digital technologies on tourists’ travel choices and overall experience. Journal of Tourism and Services, 15(29), 153–175. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v15i29.805
View in Google Scholar - Boruchowitch, F., & Fritz, M. M. C. (2022). Who in the firm can create sustainable value and for whom? A single case-study on sustainable procurement and supply chain stakeholders. Journal of Cleaner Production, 363, 132619. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132619
View in Google Scholar - Bui, T. Q., & Do, A. V. P. (2022). Does technological inclusion reduce financial constraints on small and medium sized enterprises? The case of Vietnam. Finance Research Letters, 47(Part A), 102534. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2021.102534
View in Google Scholar - Capestro, M., Rizzo, C., Kliestik, T., Peluso, A.M., & Pino, G. (2024). Enabling digital technologies adoption in industrial districts: The key role of trust and knowledge sharing. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 198, 123003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.123003
View in Google Scholar - Castagna, F., Centobelli, P., Cerchione, R., Esposito, E., Oropallo, E., & Passaro, R. (2020). Customer knowledge management in SMEs facing digital transformation. Sustainability, 12, 3899. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093899
View in Google Scholar - Chatterjee, S., Chaudhuri, R., Vrontis, D., & Thrassou, A. (2022). SME entrepreneurship and digitalization – the potentialities and moderating role of demographic factors. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 179, 121648. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121648
View in Google Scholar - Chen, K.-Z., Wang, I. K., & Seidle, R. J. (2024). Navigating digital transformation: The role of management innovation in achieving digital maturity. Learning Organization. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-04-2023-0060
View in Google Scholar - Chen, Y., & Xu, J. (2023). Digital transformation and firm cost stickiness: Evidence from China. Finance Research Letters, 52, 103510. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2022.103510
View in Google Scholar - Cognet, B., Pernot, J.-P., Rivest, L., & Danjou, C. (2023). Systematic comparison of digital maturity assessment models. Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering, 40(7), 519–537. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21681015.2023.2242340
View in Google Scholar - Costa, A. C. F., Capelo Neto, F., Espuny, M., Rocha, A. B. T., & Oliveira, O. J. (2024). Digitalization of customer service in small and medium-sized enterprises: Drivers for the development and improvement. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 30(2-3), 305–341. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-10-2022-0953
View in Google Scholar - Darmanto, S., Ekopriyono, A., Hikmah, H., & Ratnawati, A. T. (2023). The role of competence and digital entrepreneurs career maturity on business performance in disruption era. Journal of Distribution Science, 21(2), 77–89.
View in Google Scholar - Davidson III, W. N., Nemec, C., & Worrell, D. L. (2006). Determinants of CEO age at succession. Journal of Management and Governance, 10(1), 35–57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10997-005-3548-5
View in Google Scholar - Do, Q. H., & Tran, T. T. (2020). Examining the influence of age and gender on entrepreneurship in Vietnam. Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 7(10), 193–199. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2020.vol7.no10.193
View in Google Scholar - Duong, C. D., Le, T. T., Dang, N. S., Do, N. D., & Vu, A. T. (2024). Unraveling the determinants of digital entrepreneurial intentions: Do performance expectancy of artificial intelligence solutions matter? Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 31(7), 1327–1356. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-02-2024-0065
View in Google Scholar - El Baz, J., & Ruel, S. (2024). Achieving social performance through digitalization and supply chain resilience in the COVID-19 disruption era: An empirical examination based on a stakeholder dynamic capabilities view. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 201, 123209. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123209
View in Google Scholar - Ghobakhloo, M., & Ching, N.T. (2019). Adoption of digital technologies of smart manufacturing in SMEs. Journal of Industrial Information Integration, 16, 100107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2019.100107
View in Google Scholar - Grooss, O. F. (2022). Advancing maintenance strategies through digitalization: A case study. Proceedings of Computer Science, 217, 1522–1531. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2022.12.352
View in Google Scholar - Hamplová, E., & Provazníková, K. (2015). Opinion and attitudes of entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized business in the Czech Republic conditions. Procedia Economics and Finance, 23, 942–947. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2212-5671(15)00438-4
View in Google Scholar - Hargitai, D. M., Nagy, V., & Obermayer, N. (2024). Exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and knowledge management in the context of ownership structures. Journal of Business Sectors, 2(2), 11–22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62222/TORQ7440
View in Google Scholar - Haug, A., Wickstrøm, K. A., Stentoft, J., & Philipsen, K. (2023). Adoption of additive manufacturing: A survey of the role of knowledge networks and maturity in small and medium-sized Danish production firms. International Journal of Production Economics, 255, 108714. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2022.108714
View in Google Scholar - Heileman, M. D., Pett, T. L., & Mayer, A. J. (2016). Small- to medium-sized enterprise characteristics and performance: An exploratory examination of the census bureau’s survey of business owners. Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, 28(1), 145–164.
View in Google Scholar - Hossain, M. I., Kumar, J., Islam, M. T., & Valeri, M. (2024). The interplay among paradoxical leadership, industry 4.0 technologies, organisational ambidexterity, strategic flexibility and corporate sustainable performance in manufacturing SMEs of Malaysia. European Business Review, 36(5), 639–669. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-04-2023-0109
View in Google Scholar - Hsiao, H.-F., Tang, J., & Wen, C. (2024). Diversification's effect and manager experience on investment efficiency. Economic Analysis and Policy, 81, 890–900. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2024.01.009
View in Google Scholar - Jacob, T., Thomas, V. R., & George, G. (2023). Female entrepreneurship: Challenges faced in a global perspective. In A. Daniel & C. Fernandes (Eds.). Female entrepreneurship as a driving force of economic growth and social change (pp. 90–110). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-7669-7.ch006
View in Google Scholar - Jasin, M., Anisah, H. U., Fatimah, C. E. A., Azra, F. E. A., Suzanawaty, L., & Junaedi, I. W. R. (2024). The role of digital literacy and knowledge management on process innovation in SMEs. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(1), 337–344. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5267/j.ijdns.2023.9.020
View in Google Scholar - Jiménez, S. O., García, A. R. G., Osuna, B. A. L., & del Río, S. V. (2021). Entrepreneurial behavior of SMEs and characteristics of the managers of northwest mexico. Social Sciences, 10(1), 1–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci10010008
View in Google Scholar - Jurczyk-Bunkowska, M. (2021). Tactical manufacturing capacity planning based on discrete event simulation and throughput accounting: A case study of medium sized production enterprise. Advances in Production Engineering and Management, 16(3), 335–347. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14743/apem2021.3.404
View in Google Scholar - Kamariotou, M., & Kitsios, F. (2024). Evaluating the success of digital transformation strategy in Greek SMEs. In M. Papadaki, M. Themistocleous, K. Al Marri & M. Al Zarouni (Eds.). Information systems. EMCIS 2023. Lecture notes in business information processing, vol 502. (pp. 164–182). Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-56481-9_12
View in Google Scholar - Karim, S., Naz, F., Naeem, M. A., & Vigne, S. A. (2022). Is FinTech providing effective solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in ASEAN countries? Economic Analysis and Policy, 75, 335–344. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2022.05.019
View in Google Scholar - Krajčík, V., Novotný, O., Civelek, M., & Semrádová Zvolánková, S. (2023). Digital literacy and digital transformation activities of service and manufacturing SMEs. Journal of Tourism and Services, 14(26), 242–262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v14i26.551
View in Google Scholar - Kusuma, H., Muafi, M., AJI, H. M., & Pamungkas, S. (2020). Information and communication technology adoption in small- and medium-sized enterprises: Demographic characteristics. Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 7(10), 969–980. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2020.vol7.no10.969
View in Google Scholar - Ladu, L., Koch, C., Asna Ashari, P., Blind, K., Castka, P. (2024). Technology adoption and digital maturity in the conformity assessment industry: Empirical evidence from an international study. Technology in Society, 77, 102564. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2024.102564
View in Google Scholar - Le-Dain, M.-A., Benhayoun, L., Matthews, J., & Liard, M. (2023). Barriers and opportunities of digital servitization for SMEs: The effect of smart product-service system business models. Service Business, 17(1), 359–393. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-023-00520-4
View in Google Scholar - Machova, R., Korcsmaros, E., Csereova, A., & Varga, J. (2023). Innovation activity of Slovak ICT SMEs. Journal of Business Sectors, 1(1), 32–41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62222/HTPI2054
View in Google Scholar - Managi, S., Jimichi, M., & Saka, C. (2021). Human capital development: Lessons from global corporate data. Economic Analysis and Policy, 72, 268–275. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2021.08.013
View in Google Scholar - Medyński, D., Bonarski, P., Motyka, P., Wysoczański, A., Gnitecka, R., Kolbusz, K., Dąbrowska, M., Burduk, A., Pawelec, Z., & Machado, J. (2023). Digital standardization of lean manufacturing tools according to industry 4.0 concept. Applied Sciences, 13(10), 6259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106259
View in Google Scholar - Mutascu, M. (2021). Artificial intelligence and unemployment: New insights. Economic Analysis and Policy, 69, 653–667. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2021.01.012
View in Google Scholar - Ndubisi, N. O., & Kahraman, C. (2005). Malaysian women entrepreneurs: Understanding the ICT usage behaviors and drivers. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 18(6), 721–739. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17410390510628418
View in Google Scholar - Okamoto, A. (2021). Immigration policy and demographic dynamics: Welfare analysis of an aging Japan. Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, 62, 101168. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jjie.2021.101168
View in Google Scholar - Omrani, N., Rejeb, N., Maalaoui, A., Dabic, M., & Kraus, S. (2024). Drivers of digital transformation in SMEs. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 71, 5030–5043. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2022.3215727
View in Google Scholar - Ozyilmaz, A. (2011). The effects of demographic characteristics on entrepreneurial intention in the pre-venture stage of entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 14(3), 406–424. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJESB.2011.042761
View in Google Scholar - Palys, M. (2020). The role of open source software in the process of implementing social innovation in SMEs. E-MENTOR, 5, 45–52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15219/em92.1542
View in Google Scholar - Pelletier, C., & Cloutier, L.M. (2019). Conceptualising digital transformation in SMEs: An ecosystemic perspective. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 26(6/7), 855–876. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-05-2019-0144
View in Google Scholar - Pirola, F., Cimini, C., & Pinto, R. (2020). Digital readiness assessment of Italian SMEs: A case-study research. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 31(5), 1045–1083. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-09-2018-0305
View in Google Scholar - Pramanik, H. S., Kirtania, M., & Pani, A. K. (2019). Essence of digital transformation- Manifestations at large financial institutions from North America. Future Generation Computer Systems, 95, 323–343. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.future.2018.12.003
View in Google Scholar - Rummana, R., Shaheen, S., Chaity, N., Bokhari, R., Anwar, L., Abbas, I. K. A., Wahid, N., Subhani, R., Rashid, R., & Chowdhury, Md. I. B. (2011). Gender differences in the usage of information and communication technologies (ICT): The case for entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. In ICCAIE 2011 - 2011 IEEE conference on computer applications and industrial electronics (pp. 220–223). Penang: IEEE. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICCAIE.2011.6162134
View in Google Scholar - Sagala, G. H., & Őri, D. (2024). Exploring digital transformation strategy to achieve SMEs resilience and antifragility: A systematic literature review. Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08276331.2024.2392080
View in Google Scholar - Sallam, S. H. A., Fouad, M. M., & Hemeida, F. (2024). Relationship between agile maturity and digital transformation success. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 33(3), 154–168. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.33.3.154168
View in Google Scholar - Sánchez-Rivero, M., Gutiérrez-Fernández, M., Fernández-Torres, Y., & Gallego-Sosa, C. (2024). A gender-oriented analysis of digital skills and ICT use intensity in tourism companies in Extremadura (Spain). Gender in Management, 39(2), 239–254. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-04-2022-0147
View in Google Scholar - Sándor, Á., & Gubán, Á. (2021). A Measuring tool for the digital maturity of small and medium-sized enterprises. Management and Production Engineering Review, 12(4), 133–143. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24425/mper.2021.140001
View in Google Scholar - Setiawan, R., & Gestanti, L. (2022). Ceo characteristics, firm policy, and firm performance. International Journal of Business and Society, 23(1), 371–389. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33736/ijbs.4620.2022
View in Google Scholar - Smith, S., Hamilton, M., & Fabian, K. (2020). Entrepreneurial drivers, barriers and enablers of computing students: gendered perspectives from an Australian and UK university. Studies in Higher Education, 45(9), 1892–1905. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2019.1637840
View in Google Scholar - Smith, T., Tadesse, A. F., & Vincent, N. E. (2021). The impact of CIO characteristics on data breaches. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 43, 100532. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2021.100532
View in Google Scholar - Soluk, J., & Kammerlander, N. (2021). Digital transformation in family-owned mittelstand firms: A dynamic capabilities perspective. European Journal of Information Systems, 30(6), 676–711. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0960085X.2020.1857666
View in Google Scholar - Svobodova, Z., Vecerova, V., Redlichova, R., & Somerlikova, K. (2024). Evaluation of the performance of SMEs in the context of regional development. Journal of Business Sectors, 2(1), 47–60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62222/RIOX8892
View in Google Scholar - Syed, R. T., Singh, D., Ahmad, N., & Butt, I. (2024). Age and entrepreneurship: Mapping the scientific coverage and future research directions. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 20(2), 1451–1486. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-024-00964-8
View in Google Scholar - Tan, K. S., Chong, S. C., Lin, B., & Eze, U. C. (2010). Internet-based ICT adoption among SMEs: Demographic versus benefits, barriers, and adoption intention. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 23(1), 27–55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17410391011008897
View in Google Scholar - Tsukada, O., Ibusuki, U., Kuchii, S., & de Almeida, A. T. S. B. (2024). Is lean manufacturing maturity a prerequisite for industry 4.0? Survey of SMEs in Japan and Brazil. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 15(5), 1102–1126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-08-2023-0149
View in Google Scholar - Vavrecka, V., Zauskova, A., Privara, A., Civelek, M., & Gajdka, K. (2021). The propensity of SMEs regarding the usage of technology enabled marketing channels: evidence from the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian SMEs. Transformations in Business & Economics, 20(2), 223–240.
View in Google Scholar - Wang, X., Ma, C., & Yao, Z. (2024). The double-edged sword effect of digital capability on green innovation: Evidence from Chinese listed industrial firms. Economic Analysis and Policy, 82, 321–339. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2024.03.017
View in Google Scholar - Xie, W., Li, Z., Wang, Z., Zheng, D., & Wang, Y. (2024). How does digital infrastructure affect manufacturing SMEs business model innovation? An empirical study in Guangdong Province. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, 60(10), 2300–2312. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1540496X.2023.2293975
View in Google Scholar - Yang, Y., Zhang, C., Liu, B., Huang, Y., & Tai, Y. (2024). Mystery of special government subsidies: How does digital transformation promote enterprise innovation and development? Economic Analysis and Policy, 83, 1–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2024.06.003
View in Google Scholar - Yigit Ozkan, B., & Spruit, M. (2023). Adaptable security maturity assessment and standardization for digital SMEs. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 63(4), 965–987. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2022.2119442
View in Google Scholar - Yuwono, T., Suroso, A., & Novandari, W. (2024). Information and communication technology in SMEs: A systematic literature review. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13(1), 31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-024-00392-6
View in Google Scholar - Zhao, L., Liu, Y., & Su, Y.-S. (2023). Personality traits' prediction of the digital skills divide between urban and rural college students: A longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of online learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Educational Technology and Society, 26(4), 150–162.
View in Google Scholar - Zheng, X., Zhou, Y., & Iqbal, S. (2022). Working capital management of SMEs in COVID-19: Role of managerial personality traits and overconfidence behavior. Economic Analysis and Policy, 76, 439–451. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2022.08.006
View in Google Scholar - Zhou, N., & Sun, R. (2024). Coping with the storm: The role of fintech in SME survival. International Review of Financial Analysis, 93, 103157. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103157
View in Google Scholar