Abstract
Digital transformation has been a key driver of business model development for years. The COVID-19 pandemic affects organizations and society alike and makes it imperative to leverage emerging exogenous shocks to remain functioning and competitive. In this vein, COVID-19 has the revelatory power for organizations to re-invent themselves by re-adjusting their strategies including corresponding business models. Along with the need to engage in physical distancing, the call for digital solutions becomes even more critical. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) differ quantitatively and qualitatively from large corporations. Therefore, SMEs can navigate themselves more flexibly through disruptive environments. They are often regarded as the backbone of economies and deserve the attention of researchers for these reasons. The aim of our study is to examine potentials of digitization for small and medium-sized enterprises that are particularly impacted by exogeneous determinants. On the one hand, the opportunities of digitization must be considered. On the other hand, the challenges and restrictions of the COVID-19 crisis are particularly relevant.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Lisa Linnenfelser, Melissa Moldaschl, and Marcel Weber. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your great support.
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Appendix
Appendix
Excerpt of Questionnaire:
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Efficiency:
The potentials of digitalization are increased in our company…
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due to faster work thanks to software solutions.
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due to faster decision-making processes.
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generally due to more efficiency.
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IT-architecture:
The potentials of digitalization are increased in our company…
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due to a simplified way of communication.
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due to a higher level of data data security.
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generally due to the IT architecture.
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Changed behavior:
The potentials of digitalization are increased in our company…
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due to a changed meeting culture.
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due to changed customer needs.
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due to a better communication between coworkers.
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generally due to a changed company culture.
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New business models:
The potentials of digitalization are increased in our company…
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due to new business models.
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Härting, RC., Rösch, AL., Serafino, G., Häfner, F., Bueechl, J. (2022). Opportunities and Barriers of Digitization in the COVID-19 Crisis for SMEs. In: Howlett, R.J., Jain, L.C., Littlewood, J.R., Balas, M.M. (eds) Smart and Sustainable Technology for Resilient Cities and Communities. Advances in Sustainability Science and Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9101-0_4
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