Page 328 - ISC PROCEEDINGS 21.4

weaker at the operational-capability level. This is an important distinction because it
implies that digital transformation in many SMEs may remain dependent on leadership
vision and short-term initiatives unless firms strengthen their resource base and
implementation capacity.
3.2. Environmental factors affecting digital transformation in SMEs

Figure 2. SMEs’ evaluation of environmental factors influencing digital
transformation
Figure 2 indicates that environmental factors affecting digital transformation are
assessed at a moderate to fairly positive level, with mean scores ranging from 2.81 to 3.57.
Compared with organizational factors, this group of variables receives lower scores
overall, suggesting that the external environment provides mixed conditions for digital
transformation. More specifically, market pressure appears to be a much stronger driver
than formal policy support.
The highest-rated environmental factor is competitive pressure in the market, with
a mean score of 3.57. This shows that many SMEs are being pushed toward digital
transformation not primarily because of long-term strategic planning, but because
intensifying competition requires them to improve efficiency, responsiveness and
customer engagement. Customer demand for digital services also receives a relatively
high score of 3.44, indicating that enterprises are increasingly confronted with
expectations regarding online interaction, rapid communication, convenient transactions
and more personalized service.
The influence of partners, supply chains and distributors is rated at 3.31, reflecting a
moderate degree of pressure from business networks and value-chain relationships. This
suggests that, for a portion of SMEs, digital transformation is linked not only to direct
customer expectations but also to broader ecosystem requirements. The score of 3.12 for
digital infrastructure, electronic payment systems and external support services indicates
that enabling conditions exist, but are not yet perceived as consistently strong or equally
accessible across firms.
The lowest-rated factor is government policies and support programs, at 2.81. This
result is especially important because it points to a gap between policy intention and
practical enterprise experience. Although numerous programs and initiatives have been
introduced to support enterprise digital transformation, SMEs still appear to perceive
policy support as less influential than market-based pressure. This suggests that the

327