Small businesses digitalization and territorial attractiveness : how can technology companies’ support for small businesses digitalization impact the territorial attractiveness?

Abstract

Digitalization becomes a requirement to succeed in the dynamic changing world. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential for delivering a more inclusive globalization and growth. However, many SMEs owners consider that digital transformation isn’t a strategic priority. In most of the countries, in term of digitalization and innovation, the capital and few large cities are stepping out. Regional local institutions try to develop territorial assets to make their regions attractive and competitive. Technology companies, to sustain their growth, are reinforcing their positioning toward SMEs market through new strategies and regional initiatives.

This study illustrates the positive externalities for territorial attractiveness achieved through the individual interests of local institutions, SMEs and technology companies. The cluster notion is placed into an economic intelligence and territorial asset approach. The role of technology companies in SMEs digitalization is discuss as well as the competitive development of a territory. The externality concept and the geographical proximity are at the center of the study and demonstrates to local institutions their interest to support technology companies’ initiatives towards SMEs digitalization.

The research is conducted through a case study of 5 regions in France. Semi-structured interviews toward local institutions, SMEs and technology companies have been gathered to discuss the literature review and the veracity of the model.