Technological development as a key in various sectors of SMEs

Background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an indispensable part of the global business sector and play a vital role in economic development. However, technological advancements often pose significant challenges for SMEs, as they frequently struggle to keep pace with technological changes due to limited resources and expertise. The intensity of technological development in SMEs is influenced by numerous factors, irrespective of changing market and environmental conditions. Methods: The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of technological developments across various sectors of SMEs, with particular attention to the effects of multiple parameters - such as company size, sales revenue, operational area, and location - on technological advancement. The study examines the corporate characteristics present in the activities of SMEs that determine technological development, as well as their relationship with operational and development practices. Results: The findings from international studies and our own research analysis support the conclusion that, within the investigated sample, company size significantly influences the technological developments implemented. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that, due to the simplicity, flexibility, and lower cost of various technological devices, solutions that were once exclusive to large companies are now accessible to SMEs. Conclusions: With regard to the development of introduced technologies, the study finds that as company size increases, it is more common for firms to implement entirely new technological solutions rather than merely innovating or expanding existing technologies to a lesser extent.