According to a study by Digitalswitzerland, only 47% of Swiss SMEs have a comprehensive digitalization strategy—a figure that gives pause for thought. Our daily work with SMEs highlights just how crucial Swiss SMEs digitalization is for business success. It is no longer a topic of the future—it determines today who will remain competitive tomorrow.
In this article, we examine the current state of Swiss SMEs digitalization, the trends we observe, and the path to a successful digital transformation.
Swiss SMEs Digitalization: Key Insights
Interestingly, there is a significant disparity in the level of Swiss SMEs digitalization between companies of different sizes. Larger SMEs tend to be more advanced in their digital transformation, while smaller businesses are often still at the beginning stages or in a transitional phase. This is largely due to larger companies having more financial and human resources to invest in digital technologies.
A fascinating factor in this context is the correlation between the age of the management team and the company’s digitalization level. Younger leaders often demonstrate a stronger affinity for digital solutions, leading to faster implementation of digital projects and a more open attitude toward innovation. This may stem from their familiarity with digital technologies and a better understanding of their potential.
In addition to leadership, company culture plays a pivotal role. Innovation-driven organizations that question existing structures are often more successful in their digitalization efforts. Another critical factor is a commitment to employee training. Companies that invest in upskilling their workforce enhance technical competencies, foster acceptance, and boost motivation.
To advance digitalization, it is essential to address the specific challenges of different company sizes. While smaller SMEs benefit from simple, cost-effective solutions, larger enterprises require more complex strategies to enhance interdepartmental digital integration.
Ultimately, successful digitalization is not just a matter of resources and technology but also of leadership, culture, and a willingness to proactively embrace change.
The Most Common Digital Transformation Projects
In our daily work, we repeatedly observe clear priorities in Swiss SMEs digitalization projects. These can be grouped into four key areas:
- Digitizing Internal Processes
Optimizing and digitizing internal workflows is the top priority in Swiss SMEs digitalization. Many companies begin their digital transformation with projects aimed at saving time and resources while reducing errors. For example, a mid-sized trading company we supported digitized its inventory management system. By implementing a modern ERP system, they reduced inventory time by 40% and stock shortages by an impressive 60%. Other common projects include automating accounting processes, introducing digital time tracking systems, and optimizing customer relationship management (CRM). - Websites and E-Commerce Solutions
Websites and e-commerce have become a major focus, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digitalization across industries. Companies with little or no online presence had to act quickly to remain competitive. High demand exists for user-friendly and mobile-optimized online stores. Beyond technical implementation, we also provide strategic guidance, such as selecting the right platforms and integrating payment systems. - Data Analysis and Business Intelligence
The adoption of data analysis and business intelligence tools is another key area. An increasing number of SMEs are recognizing the value of data-driven decision-making. These tools allow companies to analyse their current status and identify future trends and opportunities early on. - Cloud Solutions and IT Infrastructure
Transitioning to cloud-based solutions is an often-underestimated yet essential component of digital transformation. Cloud solutions enable flexible, location-independent collaboration, which has become indispensable with the rise of remote and hybrid work models. We assist companies in migrating their data to the cloud while ensuring compliance with security and data protection standards.
Whether it’s optimizing internal processes, building a high-performing online store, or adopting data-driven decision-making, digital projects are a critical key to the success of modern SMEs.
Challenges and Obstacles in Swiss SMEs Digitalization
Many SMEs shy away from disruptive changes, opting for less risky improvements. While digital transformation offers significant opportunities, it also presents challenges that must be addressed to ensure long-term success.
- Integration of New Digital Solutions
Seamlessly incorporating new technologies into existing processes is one of the biggest challenges. Concerns about disrupting established workflows and temporary efficiency losses are common. As a result, incremental process improvements are often preferred. However, without bold steps to rethink current models, the full potential of digitalization remains untapped.
Our approach: At Dinnova, we provide tailored solutions that integrate smoothly into existing workflows, ensuring minimal disruptions. We identify potential obstacles early and develop strategies to overcome them. - Skills Shortages and Lack of Expertise
Many SMEs lack the internal resources to drive digital transformation independently. The shortage of qualified professionals, particularly in IT, data analysis, and cybersecurity, can delay or even prevent the implementation of new technologies.
Our approach: Dinnova offers technical support to ensure new systems are efficiently implemented and utilized. Our goal is to empower SMEs to manage their digital solutions independently over time, reducing reliance on external providers. - Costs and Limited Budgets
Limited financial resources often make Swiss SMEs digitalization hesitant to invest in digital projects, especially when the immediate benefits are unclear. A lack of transparency about long-term advantages can further deter investment.
Our approach: We design cost-efficient solutions tailored to the unique needs and budgets of our clients, ensuring value without unnecessary expenses. - Resistance to Change
Resistance to change is a significant barrier, stemming from fears of job loss, lack of technical skills, or general reluctance to adopt new methods. These concerns can hinder the acceptance of digital initiatives.
Our approach: We employ change management strategies that involve all stakeholders from the start. Through transparent communication, hands-on training, and clear demonstrations of benefits, we build trust and enthusiasm for digital transformation. - Data Security and Privacy
Protecting sensitive data is a major concern for SMEs, which often lack the resources of larger companies to meet high security standards.
Our approach: We ensure all solutions meet the highest security standards and support SMEs in managing their data securely. This includes both technical implementation and training employees to recognize cybersecurity risks.
Digital transformation may be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, SMEs can overcome these obstacles and unlock their full potential.
Opportunities and Potential of Digitalization for Swiss SMEs
Swiss SMEs have a promising attitude towards digitalization: 89% are open to the topic. This openness is also reflected in society, with 66–80% of the population rating the impact of digitalization on the economy as high or very high. Both businesses and the public recognize and value the opportunities digital transformation offers.
A Gap Between Attitude and Implementation
While most SMEs understand the importance of digitalization, only about half have developed a concrete strategy or digital master plan. Without a clear roadmap, businesses risk missing opportunities or losing ground in competitive markets.
Key Opportunities in Detail
- Competitive Advantages Through Efficiency Gains
Digitalization allows SMEs to optimize internal processes like accounting, inventory management, and HR through automation, saving time and reducing costs. Early adopters gain a competitive edge by operating faster, more flexibly, and more cost-effectively. - Access to New Markets and Target Groups
Building a strong online presence and utilizing e-commerce platforms enable SMEs to expand into new markets, including international ones. Digital tools also facilitate targeted, data-driven marketing strategies that strengthen customer relationships and retention. - Driving Innovation
Digital transformation boosts innovation—from developing new digital products and services to improving existing offerings. Swiss SMEs can leverage technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data Analytics to enhance efficiency and solidify their market position. - Flexibility and Resilience in Times of Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of adaptability. Digitally advanced companies were better equipped to shift to remote work, explore new sales channels, and manage supply chains effectively. Digitalization not only enhances competitiveness but also bolsters resilience against external crises. - Enhanced Employer Attractiveness
In a tight labour market, digitalization is key to remaining appealing to talent. Younger professionals prefer employers using modern technologies and offering flexible work models such as remote or hybrid arrangements. Digital tools for collaboration and communication also improve employee satisfaction and strengthen organizational culture.
From Vision to Reality: The Path to Implementation
To fully harness the opportunities of digitalization, SMEs must take clear, actionable steps. Based on our experience, we recommend a structured approach:
- Digital Assessment
Only 50% of SMEs conduct regular market analyses that include new technologies. Dinnova helps businesses evaluate their current digital position and define clear goals along with concrete measures. - Strategy Development
Crafting a tailored digital strategy is essential. At Dinnova, we guide our clients through every step—from analysis to implementation—while focusing on the unique needs and resources of each SME. - Gradual Implementation
Instead of large, high-risk transformations, we advocate for a modular approach. For example, a manufacturing company we worked with first digitalized its order processing, then inventory management, and finally production planning—achieving measurable success at each stage.
Digitalization among Swiss SMEs will accelerate in the coming years, with exciting advancements in artificial intelligence and process automation. At Dinnova, we are already developing solutions to make these technologies accessible to smaller businesses.
The need for action is clear: half of Swiss SMEs are still at the beginning of their digital journey. As an experienced digitalization partner, we see a significant opportunity to support these companies, helping them secure their competitiveness for the future.
Digital Transformation: A Necessity for Swiss SMEs
Swiss SMEs Digitalization is no longer optional but an essential requirement for sustainable business success. The statistics are clear: while the overall attitude toward digitalization is predominantly positive, there is significant room for improvement in its practical implementation.
As an experienced digitalization partner, we see daily how critical the right approach is to the success of Swiss SMEs digitalization projects. A structured strategy, combined with technical expertise and proven solutions, is what sets successful projects apart from costly failures.
The goal isn’t to adopt new technologies blindly but to focus on areas that provide the greatest value to your business.
Let’s take the next step into your digital future together. Schedule a free initial consultation with our experts today. We’ll analyse your current situation and outline actionable strategies to help you fully leverage the opportunities of digitalization for your business.
