Efeito da transformação digital sobre o desempenho nas micro, pequenas e médias empresas (MPMES) brasileiras

Abstract

This dissertation examines the digital transformation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Brazil, focusing on the relationship between digitalization and business performance. The study is relevant because digitalization is essential for increasing companies' competitiveness and efficiency in an increasingly technological market. The main research question investigates how the adoption of digital technologies impacts the performance of Brazilian MSMEs, starting from the hypothesis that digital transformation is positively related to the performance of these companies. However, studies focused on the Brazilian context can contribute to building a more robust body of knowledge on digital transformation in developing countries, with specific market characteristics and socioeconomic challenges. Methodologically, the research is quantitative and used statistical techniques such as Exploratory Factor Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression to test the hypothesis. Data collection from 987 companies was conducted in partnership with the Fundación para el Análisis Estratégico y Desarrollo de la Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (FAEDPYME), aiming to ensure representativeness of the results. The results indicate a positive and significant relationship between digitalization and business performance, suggesting that companies investing in technology tend to achieve better results. Overall, the multiple linear regression revealed that both the Manager's Diploma (MD) and the ICT Manager (ICT_M) had significant negative coefficients. This suggests that, within the specific context of the model, in the Brazilian reality, these variables are associated with a decrease in performance. The practical implications are broad: in the academic sector, the results can guide curricula and research

focused on digital innovation; for MSMEs, the importance of investing in digital technologies and continuous employee training is highlighted; at the societal level, the digitalization of MSMEs can promote economic development, create jobs, and reduce regional inequalities.