Introduction: SMEs and the Changing Business Environment

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are frequently approached as the backbone of the European and world economy (Eggers, Journal of Business Research 116:199–208, 2020; Sharma et al., Business Strategy and the Environment 30:1803–1822, 2021). SMEs act as a key mechanism for the technological change, innovation, digital transformation and green transition. SMEs are also being characterized by special features affecting their agility and resilience which is mostly attributed to their flexibility and the capacity to adapt in different external economic and business changes. However, the challenges and the obstacles remain powerful. SMEs due to their micro and small size, are usually more vulnerable to shocks (i.e. decline of profitability, demand reduction, pandemics, energy shocks, etc.). In that respect, policies to support SMEs digital transition have been a core element within the growth and innovation policies during the last decade across many countries.