"Digital transformation in German SMEs, especially in family businesses"

In this recently launched research project, Thomas Clauß and Jörn Block are focussing on the digital transformation of German SMEs and family businesses in particular - a highly relevant topic from an economic, social and political perspective. Dealing with disruptive innovations that change entire industries and are often based on digital business models is essential for the continued existence and future success of medium-sized (family) businesses in Germany. Digitalisation is one of the most important areas of entrepreneurial activity, the effects of which will have a lasting impact on the competitiveness of companies. Despite the enormous importance of the topic, however, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of how radical transformations and business model innovations can take place and be implemented in medium-sized (family) businesses, particularly in the context of digitalisation. In particular, there are few findings on the influence of family-specific characteristics and the diversity of family businesses in this regard. Against the background of this research gap, Thomas Clauß and Jörn Block address the following questions, among others: How much attention is paid to the topic of digitalisation of business models by decision-makers in medium-sized (family) businesses and where do they currently stand in terms of digitalisation and digital transformation? To what extent are medium-sized (family-owned) companies successful in implementing the digitalisation of specific products, services and business models? How can the "digital readiness", i.e. the degree of digitalisation expertise and entrepreneurial application competence available in medium-sized (family) companies, be assessed? Are there differences between products, (internal and external) processes and business models in this respect?