The Digital Revolution in Ecuadorian SMEs: New Business Models and Growth Opportunities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53591/iti.v16i22.1647Keywords:
Competitiveness, Economic growth, Digitalization, SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), Advanced technologiesAbstract
The analysis of the impact of the Digital Revolution on Ecuadorian SMEs revealed a series of significant findings that highlight both the progress and challenges these businesses faced in their digital transformation process. In Ecuador, it was determined that the total number of SMEs amounted to approximately 838,627, with a geographic distribution of 70% in urban areas and 30% in rural areas, which directly influenced their ability to adopt digital technologies. Data from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) showed that only about 40% of SMEs in Ecuador had an online presence, and less than 20% used advanced technologies, underscoring the urgent need for policies to promote technological adoption. In the commerce sector, the adoption of digital technologies allowed SMEs to improve their reach and operational efficiency, with 60% adopting e-commerce platforms. The manufacturing sector experienced a transformation, with 25% of SMEs integrating advanced technologies. In the services sector, 50% of SMEs implemented customer relationship management systems and online service platforms. However, in the agricultural sector, only 10% of SMEs adopted digital technologies, limiting their ability to improve productivity and sustainability. Improving access to financing, investing in technological infrastructure, and promoting digital skills training were identified as crucial steps to bridge the technological gap and enable Ecuadorian SMEs to fully leverage the opportunities offered by the Digital Revolution.
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