"Digitalization as a key to survival for SMEs in Spain"

Digitalization has ceased to be merely a trend and has become an unavoidable necessity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Spain. With the rise of artificial intelligence and other digital tools, SMEs must adapt to a rapidly advancing business environment. As Jeff Bezos predicted, digital transformation is not an option but a matter of survival. This process becomes imperative for those companies seeking not only to stay afloat but also to grow and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. According to the study "Digital Trends 2024 for SME Growth," conducted by the Spanish Association of Digital Economy (Adigital), a high percentage of Spanish SMEs have already begun to implement digital tools in their daily operations. The president of Adigital, Susana Voces, emphasizes that while these companies are more vulnerable to the risks of not innovating, their flexibility allows them to adapt more quickly to changes. In this sense, SMEs should view digitalization as an opportunity rather than a threat. A report from the European Commission reveals that 61% of Spanish SMEs have reached at least a basic level of digitalization, surpassing the EU average of 58%. This data suggests that Spanish companies are aware of the importance of digitalizing, positioning them favorably within the European context. The "Spain Digital Company" Strategy, promoted by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, aims to facilitate this process through specific programs and a catalog of aids. The Basic Guide for SME Transformation is a key resource proposing various strategies to improve customer relations. From creating a website and using digital marketing tools to incorporating interactive customer service channels, this document serves as a roadmap for companies looking to integrate into a digitized environment. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of customizing products and services to meet the specific needs of consumers. The SME Digitalization Plan 2021-2025, launched by the Ministry for Digital Transformation, represents a significant institutional effort, with an investment of €4.656 billion. Two of its most notable programs, Acelera Pyme and Kit Digital, are designed to provide direct support for the digitalization of SMEs through a wide range of digital solutions covering everything from online presence to cybersecurity. In this landscape, financial institutions play a fundamental role in facilitating access to European aid. Banco Sabadell, for example, has developed advisory plans tailored to the specific needs of each SME, enabling them to navigate the complex process of applying for funds and grants. The Kit Digital program, which subsidizes the costs of adopting basic digital tools, has benefited over 530,000 SMEs and freelancers across the country since its launch. Digitalization goes beyond the incorporation of new technologies; it is a cultural shift that must permeate the entire structure of the SME. As indicated by the Chamber of Commerce guide, digital transformation is both a technological challenge and a process driven by people. Digitalization should be seen as an integral process that starts with the business strategy and translates into operational and structural changes. It is imperative for SMEs to understand that their success in the current environment depends on their ability to transform digitally. This will not only allow them to improve their productivity and efficiency but also open doors to new market opportunities and foster a closer, more personalized relationship with their customers. In this sense, SMEs must be proactive and not wait for change to come, but rather take charge of their own transformation. Finally, the message is clear: digitalization is the path to competitiveness and sustainability. SMEs have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and adapt to a constantly evolving market, and the time to act is now. The business history of the future is being written today, and SMEs must ensure they are part of it. The key to surviving in the digital age lies in the willingness to learn, adapt, and transform.