Digital Transformation of Small and Medium Manufacturers: Ideal and Reality

Seung Won Oh, Yong Gu Ji, Seul Chan Lee, Na Young Kim

Abstract


A government-led digital transformation promotion plan is being established, but uncertainties have not been resolved about the effectiveness of policy support for small and medium-sized manufacturers. This study aims to investigate exploring the desirable direction of small and medium-sized manufacturer support through a survey on the digital transformation of small and medium-sized manufacturers differentiated from large-sized enterprises. We conducted an online survey with 490 employees of the small and medium-sized manufacturer. In the survey, perceived awareness of 4 areas and AHP questionnaires were included on 4 dimensions and 11 regions of digital transformation. As a result of the survey, regardless of the positive response to digital transformation, the workers did not accurately perceive the digital transformation. Further, in practice, the required technologies were information technologies in traditional manufacturing rather than the advanced technologies of Industry 4.0. In addition, the importance of digital transformation was evaluated in the order of organization, technology, human resource and strategy. The findings of this study provide a gap between the direction of digital transformation support for small and medium-sized manufacturers and actual requirements. A policy support direction considering alleviating uncertainty about digital transformation investment and providing actual needs of small and medium-sized manufacturers is needed.


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