SMEs in focus: Strategies against the pressure of digital transformation

SMEs in focus: Strategies against the pressure of digital transformation

A panel discussion entitled “SMEs under pressure: Successful strategies for transformation” took place on November 27, 2025. The event was organized by Donau Versicherung and brought together important decision-makers. Among those present were the State Secretary Alexander Pröll, the CEO of Erste Bank, Gerda Holzinger-Burgstaller, and Judit Havasi, General Director of Donau Versicherung. The discussion was moderated by Silvia Grünberger, Managing Partner of Grünberger & Partner.

The aim of the event was to address the challenges and solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In her keynote, Tristan Horx spoke about the crucial factors that can ensure the future viability of SMEs: openness, courage and an innovation-friendly culture. Horx emphasized how important technological developments and resilience are in order to be able to meet ever-growing demands.

Current challenges for SMEs

The participants discussed current challenges such as rising costs, a shortage of skilled workers as well as bureaucratic requirements and technical change. These aspects represent significant hurdles for many SMEs. Judit Havasi pointed out the central role of SMEs for Austria as a business location and noted that Donau Versicherung supports over 40,000 such companies.

The current discussion on digitalization and the associated challenges for SMEs shows parallel developments in both the Austrian and German economies. A study by Patrick Ludwig, Siegfried Zürn and Christian Cseh, published in the Journal for Economic Factory Operations, looks at the obstacles and challenges for SMEs in digital transformation. This research shows that many SMEs often do not sufficiently implement the potential of digitalization, even though they make up 99.4% of the company base in Germany, as bundesnetzagentur.de reports.

Mastering digital transformation

Digital transformation takes place at the company level and depends on external conditions. SMEs often take on different roles here, although they are predominantly active as digital users. The challenges identified include a lack of a digitalization strategy, insufficient technology know-how and difficulties in data analysis.

For a successful transformation, SMEs would also have to take the issues of IT security and data protection seriously. Possible solutions include exchanges with other companies, best practices, and participation in qualification measures and training courses. The Federal Network Agency calls for supportive measures such as access to funding and the expansion of networks to attract skilled workers.

In summary, it can be said that SMEs today face pressing challenges, but there are also numerous opportunities for growth and development if they are prepared to actively face the challenges mentioned.