Implementation of Digital Technologies in Women-Led SMEs in Merida, Yucatán: Advances Toward Digital Business Transformation

Abstract

Digital transformation in companies is a process of integrating and applying technology that contributes to the improvement and innovation of business models. Two strategies are proposed for digital transformation in organizations, aiming to integrate technologies into productive and administrative processes and enhance the customer experience. Therefore, three levels of usage are identified based on the technologies implemented and the competencies developed in companies: basic level, advanced level, and frontier technologies. This research, with a descriptive quantitative approach, aims to analyze the level of use and exploitation of digital technologies for digital transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women in Mérida, Yucatán. The target population included women from Mérida with business activities, majority ownership in the company, and between 1 and 50 employees. Invitations were sent through civil associations, social networks, and email to companies registered in the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (DENUE). Out of the 38 responses obtained, 22 were selected that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that this companies have primarily adopted tools at the basic level, with social networks being the main one. Despite having a high adoption rate of basic technologies, it is essential to identify the needs for greater integration of digital tools that strengthen business competitiveness.