Track: Industry 4.0

Abstract

Background: The dynamic development of digital technologies has caused major changes in almost all areas. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the basis of the German economy. Adapting this group to the ongoing and ever faster economic changes is of key importance for successful continued existence of Germany as a business location.

Objective: The results offer crucial insights into the current implementation status of digital technologies, suggesting potential targets for supporting actions by regional initiatives and officials.

Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted in the northern Rhineland-Palatinate. The survey was developed and distributed to assess the prominence and distribution of digital technologies among SME. 

Results: Basic digital technologies are the common run for SMEs. Few pioneers fall back on innovative technologies, while the majority is not aware of many important digital technologies.When it comes to implementation, manufacturing companies mainly concentrate on production-related areas. SME that rely on a digital strategy use a broader variety of digital technologies. The implementation gap is confirmed.

Conclusion: The current digitalisation gap in German SMEs cannot resolve on its own. An external impulse is necessary helping SMEs to address the still existing information gap, resulting in a lack of implementation. In many cases, isolated technological solutions are created that serve to solve specific problems. In particular, external support must promote a holistic view of digitization.