The Level of Sustainability and Digitalization of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Slovakia

Abstract

: The article focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), their barriers and successes, associated with the transition to a sustainable and digital economy before the COVID-19 pandemic. Emphasis is placed on comparing the level and identifying differences in the transition to digitalization and sustainability of SMEs in Slovakia with the Europe Union's (EU) average. The comparison of the level of SMEs in Slovakia and the EU average is focused on the barriers associated with the introduction of digitalization; approaches applied in the adoption of digital technologies; already applied types of digital technologies; measures taken in relation to environmental and social sustainability; the existence of a strategy to support becoming a sustainable business and barriers to sustainability. Based on the input data, which are drawn from a survey published by Flash Eurobarometer 486 (FL486), interesting findings and contrasts were reached between SMEs in Slovakia and the EU average.