A recent study by the E-Business Research Center (ELTRUN) of the Athens University of Economics and Business, showed that Greek SMEs have shown significant progress in their digital readiness from 2020 to 2024. Nevertheless, despite this upward trend, most companies remain in early stages of digital transformation, utilizing on average only 50% of available digital tools and systems.
The Digital Readiness Index, created for the first time in 2020, tracks the level of digital maturity of SMEs based on their adoption of 10 key digital tools and systems. These include website presence, digital transactions, and advanced technologies like IoT and AI. The index categorizes businesses into five stages of digital maturity, from “Elementary” to “Ideal.”
According to the study, the percentage of SMEs with advanced digital readiness, has tripled from 12% in 2020 to 32% in 2024. Indeed, half of the surveyed businesses prioritize digital transformation and actively support their employees through technological changes. Nevertheless, while more businesses are adopting advanced digital technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI, and Data Analytics, their use is often limited to basic applications, rather than more complex processes to improve decision making or customer relationship.
Another key finding from the report is that, that while businesses seem to be aware of the importance of cybersecurity, with most having adopting some form of digital security solutions, 8 out of 10 SMEs rely on basic antivirus software.
The use of digital marketing tools, such as social media campaigns, has increased by 27%, while the adoption of alternative communication channels, like Viber, has risen by 29%. By contrast, traditional tools like teleconferencing have seen a decline (31%), as businesses return to in-office work post-COVID-19.
The report indicated a growing e-commerce sector among Greek SMEs, with 37% of online stores now generating more than 10% of their total sales through digital platforms. Additionally, the adoption of integrated systems, such as ERP (Enterprise resource planning) and CRM (customer relationship management), increased by 50% with more businesses turning to cloud-based solutions to manage their resources and customer relationships.
The study also found that 7 out of 10 SMEs experienced increased sales (69%) and reduced costs (58%) thanks to digital technologies. Of those that reported sales growth, 38% saw increases of more than 20%, while 26% of businesses reported cost reductions exceeding 20%.
Despite the benefits, SMEs still face significant obstacles in their digital journey. The main challenges include financial limitations (44%), lack of support from technology providers (36%), insufficient awareness (34%), and inadequate employee training (27%). While half of SMEs acknowledge that their employees lack the necessary digital skills, only 30% are investing in relevant training programs.
Interestingly enough, while 70% of SMEs cite financial constraints as the primary barrier to adopting digital technologies, only 25% have taken advantage of available funding and subsidies.
Source: tovima.com
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Vardis Vardinogiannis: ‘On a Ship’s Bridge You Always Look Forward’
Ten milestones in the half century since the creation of Motor Oil Group, as described by Vardis Vardinogiannis, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91
DBRS Says Greek Banks ‘Shielded’ from ECB Rate Cuts
The agency explains that fund disbursements through the banking sector will help offset pressures anticipated on interest margins beginning in 2025, due to expected rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Meta Cuts Facebook and Instagram Subscription Fees by 40%
The social media giant also revealed that it will continue to offer free access to Facebook and Instagram for EU users, provided they agree to see ads based on a limited set of user data.
Skyrocketing Use of Debit, Credit Cards
The total value of the transactions conducted with debit and credit cards in the country in the first half of 2024 rose 2% on the corresponding period of 2023
JP Morgan Revised Greece Outlook to ‘Overweight’
The investment bank notes that Greece is showing the strongest GDP growth in the Eurozone. Additionally, efforts to clear up bank balance sheets are anticipated to yield increased capital returns.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, Greek Tycoon and Shipping Magnate, Dies at 91
In 1990, Vardinogiannis was targeted in an attack which involved three rockets fired at his vehicle by the terrorist organization 17 November.
Kudos for Greek Sheep’s Milk Cheeses
Graviera is the Greek version of the Swiss gruyère, and is generally considered the second most popular cheese made in the country after feta
EIB Survey: Greeks Rank Climate Change as Top Concern After Cost of Living
Specifically, 98% of the Greeks surveyed stated that the country must to adapt to climate change, with 60% saying that priority should be given to these adjustment measures
Trump Tells Putin not to Escalate Ukraine War during Phone Convo
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, is preparing to lobby Trump against abandoning U.S. support for Kyiv
Former Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris Dies at 82
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, serving as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki for two consecutive terms until 2019, becoming a transformative figure with his progressive policies.
![Επιθεώρηση εργασίας: Bonus στους ελεγκτές – Τι θα «σκανάρουν» [πίνακες]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ergasia22-4-2-600x402.jpg)
