Research on Path of Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises:Based on fsQCA

Abstract

An empirical analysis of the drivers and paths of digital transformation of 759 SMEs in China GEM using TOE theoretical framework and fsQCA method. The study found that human capital, technology development, enterprise size, profitability, government support, foreign investment and industry competition are not necessary conditions for digital transformation of SMEs alone. There are four paths to digital transformation for SMEs, namely technology-environment-led, technology-environment-led organizational collaboration, technology-led environmental collaboration, and technology-organization-environment-led. Key elements play different roles in different paths, and SMEs should combine their own endowments to choose the right digital transformation path.