SMEs Digital Transformation – Are We Ready?

The paper presents the results of the analysis of the readiness of small and medium enterprises, VET providers, high education institutions and consultancy organizations towards digital and bionic transformation and ac­quisition of a “bionic status”. The purpose of the paper is to find out which key skills and knowledge are needed for employees in order to be ready for digital transformation. SMEs that were a part of the survey operate in different eco­nomic sectors in various countries of the European Union (Spain, Slovenia, Po­land, Croatia, Ukraine, Austria, Italy, Germany, Macedonia, Switzerland, Bel­gium, and Hungary). Other organisations such as public bodies, non-govern­mental organisations (NGOs), universities and technological centres also par­ticipated in the survey on digital competences. Key conclusions of the analy­sis indicate that almost all participants are familiar with the need for digital transformation, but that knowledge about 4.0 technologies is still lacking. The most significant knowledge is in robotics, 3D printing and Cloud Services, big data, and IoT. Blockchain and artificial intelligence are considered less impor­tant for digital transformation. However, a strong need for further education and training in all of these areas was expressed.