In the Netherlands, there are over one million entrepreneurs in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs account for more than 60% of added value and provide over 70% of employment within the business sector. It is therefore essential that this sector keeps pace with developments and embraces the digital age. But what are the benefits of digitisation for SME entrepreneurs? And how does the government support this?
Digitisation
Digitisation gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to work more efficiently and innovatively. It offers many advantages. It saves valuable physical space, and once files are digitised, they are much easier to consult. These days, it is also increasingly difficult to ensure the security of paper records.
However, for many entrepreneurs—especially smaller ones—starting the digitisation process is a big step. They often struggle to translate new technologies into practical applications for their businesses. These entrepreneurs typically lack the time, knowledge and skills to get to grips with digitisation. Nevertheless, it is important for them to stay aligned with their customers' needs and to seize the opportunities digitisation offers to optimise their own business processes.
Action Plan for SMEs
In July 2018, the government introduced an action plan to support SME entrepreneurs in addressing several major challenges—digitisation being one of them. The government’s ambition is for the Netherlands to become the digital leader in Europe. One way they are supporting companies is through the promotion of digital technology:
- SME Digitisation Workshops: A programme that brings together education and business. Here, students and KVK entrepreneurs offer companies tips and advice on data use, online sales and marketing, and smart automation.
- Fieldlabs and Smart Industry Hubs: In these hubs, entrepreneurs collaborate with knowledge institutions to develop, test and implement innovative industrial solutions.
- Digitisation Workshops for SMEs: These include presentations from entrepreneurs who have already gone through the digitisation process, aimed at inspiring others.
Archive-IT
Digitising your archive is the first step towards an efficient, fast and, above all, secure working environment. When combined with an accessible and intuitive digital platform for archiving your documents, it gives you control over your digital (and potentially privacy-sensitive) records. Curious to find out how Archive-IT can support you with this? Please contact us for more information.