Driving SME Digital Transformation in Colombia: Analyzing Key Factors and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impact

Lorenzo Portocarrero-Sierra; Jordi  Morató-Farreras; Jorge Aníbal Restrepo-Morales; Diego Alejandro López-Cadavid

doi:10.4067/s0718-27242025000300059

Authors

Lorenzo Portocarrero-Sierra Asociación Colombiana de Instituciones de Educación Superior ACIET, Colombia
Jordi Morató-Farreras Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain
Jorge Aníbal Restrepo-Morales Tecnológico de Antioquia Institución Universitaria, Colombia
Diego Alejandro López-Cadavid Tecnológico de Antioquia Institución Universitaria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-27242025000300059

Keywords:

digitalization, SMEs, Artificial Neural Networks, Sustainable Development Goals, e-commerce, digital investment

Abstract

This study identifies key factors influencing digitalization investment decisions in Colombian SMEs and their alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Analyzing 4,600 surveys from 2023, we employed multilayer perceptron Artificial Neural Networks with backpropagation algorithms for predictive modeling, supported by validation through confusion matrices and ROC curves (average AUC: 0.94). Results revealed the most significant predictors: understanding digitalization's possibilities and advantages (20.87%), employees using ICT (14.77%), average workforce size (10.68%), and e-commerce marketplace participation (7.32%). The study's originality lies in precisely quantifying each factor's relative importance, providing an empirical foundation for prioritizing digitalization initiatives, and analyzing strategic alignment with SDGs, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). These methodologically robust findings offer valuable guidance for policymaking, business strategies, and interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks promoting sustainable digital transformation of Colombian SMEs within broader socioeconomic contexts, while addressing critical technological adoption barriers, enhancing regional competitive advantage, and establishing comprehensive implementation pathways for digital ecosystem development. These insights directly inform practical digitalization policies for SMEs by providing evidence-based prioritization of educational initiatives over direct technology investments, with significant implications for sustainable development and competitive advantage in emerging economies.

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