Digital gap among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – Still great need for action despite manifold funding opportunities. While digital transformation continues apace, companies are exposed to increasing competitive pressure. SMEs in particular are facing a shortage of skilled workers and rising costs, prompting them to leverage the benefits of digitalisation and automation. Nevertheless, only 60% of SMEs attach medium to high importance to digital technologies. On average, SMEs invest only 17,000 euros annually in digitalisation. It is obvious that many companies still see digitalisation as a necessary evil and are afraid of the costs involved. Yet this change is opening up numerous opportunities. Both federal and state authorities are promoting digitalisation projects to overcome the cost hurdle. With various funding programmes, they are making medium-sized and small companies fit for the future. Only an average of 52% of SMEs in Germany are digitised on average. It is also alarming that 34% of SMEs have virtually no digital skills. These figures highlight the urgent need to drive forward the digital transformation, especially in view of the opportunity to compensate for the shortage of skilled workers and to reduce costs by using digital technologies. One example of how companies can increase their efficiency is the implementation of intelligent software solutions such as ZEUS® Time & Attendance, ZEUS® Staff Scheduling, ZEUS® PDC and ZEUS® HR Management from ISGUS. Medium-sized companies have to realise that investing in innovative technologies is not just a matter of adapting to the times, but also of making a strategic decision for the future. SMEs should therefore make use of the subsidies provided by the federal and state authorities to optimise processes and increase efficiency. What types of funding are available? Non-refundable subsidies: SMEs can receive between 30 and 80 per cent of the eligible investment amount. This depends on the individual programme. This type of subsidy is particularly popular as the companies do not have to repay the funds received. Loans: Federal and state authorities offer low-interest loans with terms of up to 20 years. Some programmes also allow liability exemptions or repayment subsidies. WHAT FUNDING PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SMEs? FIND OUT HERE: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIGITALISATION 7 ISGUS NEWS Edition 50 2024 DIGITALISATION
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