STATE SUPPORT FOR THE DIGITALIZATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES

Abstract

Purpose of the study. The scientific work is devoted to assessing the effectiveness of state programs supporting the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter – SMEs) and their impact on the pace of business digital transformation. The relevance of the study is due to the need to increase the effectiveness of state support in the context of accelerated digitalization of the economy. Despite the expansion of measures to stimulate SMEs, there remains a gap between the scale of financing and the actual pace of digital solution implementation, which requires an objective assessment of existing tools and the development of recommendations for their improvement. The methodological basis of the work includes a comprehensive approach combining statistical analysis of data on recipients of state support, taking into account the volume of financing, industry affiliation, and the geography of enterprises. A comparative analysis of the dynamics of digital transformation of SMEs with and without state support is conducted, including the implementation of CRM and ERP systems, marketplaces, and analytical tools. The study is complemented by a case analysis of successful and problematic practices in the use of grants and subsidies. Correlation and regression analysis is used to identify the relationship between the volume of support and the pace of digitalization. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its results will make it possible to identify the most effective forms of state support for different categories of SMEs, determine the barriers that hinder the use of grants, subsidies, and programs, optimize the allocation of budget funds taking into account the real needs of businesses, as well as develop proposals for improving regulations and mechanisms for implementing SME digitalization programs.