Digital transformation in Small and Medium-sized enterprises - The case of North Macedonia

Digital transformation represents a key factor for enhancing competitiveness and introducing innovation in the global environment. To increase efficiency, productivity, and market performance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as drivers of economic development, face the need to adapt their working conditions and transform existing processes toward new digital technologies. The subject of this research focuses on analyzing the state of digital transformation among small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of North Macedonia, through the identification of key challenges, opportunities, and strategies applied by these companies. In the practical part of this paper, by the questionnaire method, an empirical study was conducted aimed at analyzing the support measures and the level of awareness among SMEs regarding digital transformation policies. The goal of the research is to determine the extent to which state institutions provide support for the introduction of transformational changes that contribute to the digitalization of SME operations. The results of the conducted research confirm the main hypothesis that there is insufficient support in the process of implementing digital practices and solutions in business operations.