The Multi-Criteria Digital and Sustainable Maturity Assessment Model

Abstract

European Union (EU) recognized the strong need for digital and sustainable transition of enterprises and societies. Although digital technologies can contribute to achieving sustainable goals, many of enterprises still struggle with challenges of digitalization and digital transformation, especially SMEs, which due to limited resources often lag behind larger enterprises. In the paper, we focus on SMEs, since they represent majority of EU economy, and are strong contributor to the number jobs and GDP. To achieve goals for successful digital and sustainable transition, which are adopted by European Commission, it is important to use proper strategies. This is not possible without understanding the current state and predict the impact of given measures and develop new business models that can be derived from digital transformation, sustainability, and circular economy. There are several available tools for digital maturity assessment available and SMEs can estimate their position in digital journey. However, to our knowledge, no tool, which would enable assessment of digital maturity and its impact on achieving sustainability goals, is currently available. Such a model could help SMEs to assess current state and plan for proper strategy to achieve digital transformation towards sustainability goals.