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Keywords

specialized and sophisticated SMEs, digital transformation, fsQCA, configuration analysis, TOE theory

Abstract

The digital transformation of the manufacturing process in specialized and sophisticated SMEs is a key driver for achieving high-quality economic development. To promote the transformation, upgrading, and sustainable development of SMEs, it is important to explore the path towards digital transformation of the manufacturing process for specialized and sophisticated SMEs. Using a sample of 98 listed companies in Zhejiang Province, this study employs fuzzy set-based qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate how six factors at the “technology-organization-environment” level interact to influence the digital transformation of manufacturing processes from a group perspective. The study's findings demonstrate that the driving mechanism behind the digital transformation of high-level manufacturing processes can be divided into four distinct paths: methodical, safety-conscious, foresighted, and change-oriented. On the other hand, the digital transformation of low-level manufacturing processes can be divided into four distinct paths, namely internal and external difficulties, lack of power, unmotivated, and fish-atwood. The application of digital technology serves as the foundation for the digital transformation of high-level manufacturing processes, and dynamic capabilities' various sub-capabilities can aid enterprises in achieving transformation and upgrading. Among these sub-capabilities, innovation capability is the most critical.

DOI

10.16315/j.stm.2023.02.002

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