Barriers to the digital transformation of cultural and creative industry MSMEs: the case of the Basque country

Purpose This research aims to study the barriers to digital transformation (DT) faced by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) in the Basque Country. It identifies key obstacles and explores how public policy can support overcoming these barriers to enhance organizations’ competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a quantitative approach, surveying 268 CCI MSMEs in the Basque Country using a standardized online questionnaire. The authors analyzed the response through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression to assess the impact of various barriers and organizational characteristics on organizational DT level. Findings The findings highlight that organizations with lower DT levels perceive barriers more acutely, specifically knowledge-related barriers, such as the lack of information about appropriate technologies and qualified staff, and organizational culture barriers, including the low prioritization of DT within organizations. Moreover, certain organizational characteristics and collaboration with other organizations and public administration assistance enhance the perceived level of DT and reduce the perception of the barriers. Originality/value This research fills a gap in the literature by focusing on DT in CCI MSMEs, a sector with unique structural characteristics and significant economic importance. It provides policymakers with actionable insights to design targeted interventions that address specific barriers, thereby fostering competitiveness in CCIs.