Research on the Obstacles, Practical Challenges, and Strategies for Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-sized Manufacturing Enterprises in China

In the wave of digitalization where smart manufacturing has become a mainstream trend, there are immense growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry. However, given the characteristics of small, weak, and scattered nature of SMEs, digital transformation still faces many obstacles and challenges from a professional, investment, and practical implementation perspective. There are many difficulties in practice. This paper proposes routes and strategies for SMEs to undergo digital transformation from the perspectives of talent cultivation structure, industry differences, policy formulation during implementation, data security issues, and further improvement of relevant laws and regulations. It is suggested that enterprises should formulate and implement more comprehensive and long-term digital strategic plans based on their own actual situations. Governments should also focus on supporting SMEs digital transformation in various aspects such as talent cultivation, policy support, laws, and regulations. Together, we should promote technological innovation and talent cultivation to lay a solid foundation for successful transformation.