Digitalization of SMEs and their perceptions regarding public interventions and supports of digitalization

digitalization processes of enterprises. Since firms in the iron and
mining industries also apply these technologies and IT (Information
Technology)-based practices for their operations, their digitalization
process is very crucial for their competitiveness against their rivals.
In this regard, this paper investigates the differences in
digitalization processes of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
SMEs operating in the iron and mining industries but in various age
and size groups and their perceptions regarding digitalization
policies, support of the governments, and the European Union (EU)
Digital Europe Programme. 290 SMEs from the Czech Republic are
analyzed in line with the research aim. An online questionnaire
survey and semi-structured expert interviews were used to collect
the research data. Moreover, the researcher used secondary data
from the statistical office. The researcher also runs the Chi-square
test and correlation analyses when analyzing the data. The
comments of the interviewees were also used for analysis purposes.
According to the results, the digitalization of SMEs does not differ
depending on their size and age. Moreover, the perceptions of
SMEs regarding public interventions and subsidies do not differ
depending on their size, and SMEs negatively evaluate the
digitalization policies of the government. To change SMEs' mind,
policymakers need to reduce bureaucratic procedures regarding
digitalization and provide education, including Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT) and digitalization. The
governments also need to support SMEs in creating effective
systems and generating standards for those systems. Governments
also need to make collaborations with trade associations and the
chamber of commerce to stimulate the digitalization process of
SMEs.