Beyond Technology: SME Strategic Repositioning in Digital Ecosystems
Author:Ana Alexandra Olariu, Simona Cătălina Ștefan, Andreea Breazu, Corina-Elena Mircioiu and Mircea Stelian Drăghici
JEL:L26, M15, O32.
DOI:10.24818/EA/2026/72/431
Keywords:Digital transformation, SMEs, strategic position, artificial neural networks (ANN), PLS-SEM.
Abstract:
Digital transformation is a disruptive force that compels SMEs to fundamentally reconfigure their business models to remain competitive. This research analyses the impact of digitalisation factors, namely the digital skills of the staff, the digital transformation strategy, and the digital methods, means, and tools, on the strategic position of SMEs, while exploring the mechanisms that arise. This study used a mixed research methodology, combining structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with artificial neural network (ANN) analysis, based on a survey with 281 respondents from Romania. The PLS-SEM results confirm the influence of digitalisation on strategic performance, especially through the optimisation of organisational processes and the strengthening of the relationship with customers. The ANN analysis complements these findings, capturing nonlinear relationships and identifying the relationship with customers as the most important predictor of strategic success. Valuable insights are thus offered for SME management, demonstrating that the strategic value of technology is conditioned by its functional integration into workflows and interaction with market actors.