DIGITAL READINESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES: A MATRIX-ALGORITHMIC APPROACH TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL TOOLS

Abstract

The article examines the problem of effective implementation of digital tools in small and medium‒sized enterprises (SMEs) under the conditions of a wartime economy, post-war recovery, European integration processes, and increasing requirements for business resilience. Digital readiness is interpreted as a prospective managerial capability of an enterprise to implement digital solutions effectively, in contrast to digital maturity, which reflects the achieved level of technology integration into business processes. The empirical basis of the study is formed by data on the digital transformation of Ukrainian business, which indicate a gap between the availability of individual digital solutions, declared technological readiness, and the actual economic return on digital investments. Based on the integration of the TOE framework, the resource-based view, and the theory of dynamic capabilities, a matrix‒algorithmic approach is developed, combining multidimensional diagnostics of digital readiness with a staged logic of digital implementation. A digital readiness matrix for SMEs is developed across six dimensions: technological, process-oriented, competency-based, strategic, financial, and institutional-market. It is established that the effectiveness of digitalisation is determined not only by the availability of digital tools but also by the balance between internal resources, managerial capabilities, and the external conditions of their application. The algorithm of digital implementation is operationalised through the logic of sensing ‒ seizing ‒ transforming and includes diagnostics of digital readiness, audit of barriers and resources, prioritisation of digital solutions, development of a digital roadmap, pilot implementation, scaling, and monitoring of results. The proposed approach enables a shift from static assessment of digital maturity to a managed cycle of digital transformation, within which the choice of tools is aligned with the actual level of process-related, competency-based, financial, and institutional-market capabilities of the enterprise. The results of the study provide a methodological basis for planning SME digitalisation, determining the priority of digital solutions, and preventing fragmented technology implementation without adequate resource and managerial support.