Data

Data on the digitalization of SMEs

Digitization has become one of the key factors in the development of companies, regardless of industry or size.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the foundation of the Polish economy, are increasingly facing the challenge of keeping up with dynamic technological changes.

In this section you will find the most important data and conclusions regarding:

  • the current level of digitization in Polish SMEs,
  • use of artificial intelligence,
  • digital competences of employees,
  • and the impact of new technologies on the mental well-being of Polish SME entrepreneurs.

We have organized the information into clear thematic blocks to help you quickly find the data you are interested in.

1. SMEs in Poland – starting point

Small and medium-sized enterprises are the foundation of the Polish economy, but their level of digitalization still lags behind the EU average. In this section, we will show how Polish SMEs fare in the technology sector, what growth opportunities they have, and what barriers they face.

Poland is below the EU average, with a score of 19%.

This highlights the need to intensify activities supporting digitalization in small and medium-sized enterprises.

2. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in SMEs

Artificial intelligence is becoming a key tool for increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of companies. This section shows how often Polish SMEs use AI, in what areas, and what opportunities and market advantages can result from its implementation.

The most commonly used AI technologies in Poland are commercial off-the-shelf software (2%). At the same time, technologies developed internally or modified by vendors constitute a small percentage. The most common use of AI in Poland is robotic process automation.

3. Employee digital skills

Effective digitalization requires appropriate team competencies. In this section, we present the level of digital skills in Polish SMEs, the main competency gaps, and the importance of employee training and development for a successful digital transformation.

Only one in three workers in Poland has advanced digital skills. This puts Poland below the European average, indicating the need for increased investment in developing digital competencies among employees.

The graph shows the correlation between the percentage of employees with advanced digital skills and the technological intensity of enterprises in various European countries. Poland is among the countries with a relatively low percentage of advanced digital skills, highlighting the need to support digital transformation and the development of technological competencies in SMEs.

Indicators showing the difficulties companies face in filling positions requiring specialist ICT skills
reveal differences between European countries. Poland, with a score of 1%, has one of the lowest levels of such difficulties compared to the EU27 average (4%). This indicates a lower demand for ICT specialists in Polish SMEs or a less intense digital transformation compared to more technologically advanced economies.

4. Employees' mental health and digitalization

Digital technologies and changes impact not only processes but also people. Stress, overload, and uncertainty related to digitalization also impact the health of employees and businesses.
Nest Bank's report on the mental condition of SME entrepreneurs shows alarming data:

  • 68% of micro-entrepreneurs have experienced signs of a mental crisis in the last 3 years
  • 57% of micro-entrepreneurs experience long-term anxiety
  • every third SME entrepreneur has symptoms of depression
  • 66% of SME entrepreneurs fear lack of livelihoods
  • as many as 96% of SME entrepreneurs are overloaded with work
  • 60% of SME entrepreneurs do not use sick leave, even when they are sick
  • 56% of SME entrepreneurs avoid taking a holiday longer than a week for fear of securing the company's situation
  • 39% of SME entrepreneurs give up sleep or rest because of work

The full report on the mental condition of micro-entrepreneurs in Poland 2024 (Nest Bank) is available at the link: Entrepreneur Health | Nest Bank