Supporting the Backbone: A Typology of the Government Roles for the Digital Transformation of SMEs

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are described in several regions as the backbone of the economy. Therefore, various levels of government have dedicated resources to support programs to encourage different aspects of SMEs’ digital transformation (DT). We present a systematic literature review of government support for DT of SMEs, which leads us to suggest a descriptive typology of the various roles taken by government bodies in this context. We then analyze the success factors and barriers associated with these roles, taking the example of geographic differences. While in Asia, there is a focus on the development of digital infrastructure and market-oriented platforms, in Europe, the focus is on programs offering individualized support. There is also a lack of research in the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Concerning the barriers, policymakers should focus on the visibility of programs and equality of access.