From the Perspective of "Small, Quick, Light, Targeted": Barriers and Empowerment System for SMEs’ Digital Transformation in Underdeveloped Regions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The digital transformation of SMEs is an important engine for promoting high-quality economic development. However, in underdeveloped regions, the digital transformation of SMEs faces multiple obstacles, presenting a characteristic of "unwillingness to transform, lack of confidence to transform, and inability to transform". Based on the "Small, Quick, Light, Targeted" concept, this paper constructs a theoretical analysis framework of "context - obstacles - empowerment", systematically revealing the deep mechanism of the digital transformation of SMEs in underdeveloped regions. The research shows that the transformation obstacles are not a single-dimensional shortage of resources, but a systematic predicament resulting from the coupling of multiple factors such as infrastructure, funds, talents, systems, and culture. Based on this, this paper proposes a four-in-one empowerment system covering technology, services, policies, and ecology, aiming to reshape the transformation logic of SMEs in underdeveloped regions through lightweight, modular, and precise path design. Moreover, to promote the digital transformation of SMEs in underdeveloped regions, based on system analysis, targeted countermeasures and suggestions are proposed.
Author: Feng Shi
Institution: Baise University
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7202381944