Digital transition or digital transformation: literature review to illuminate the vision of SMEs and that of their ecosystem

Abstract

“Digital transformation-TFD” and “Digital transition-TD” are two expressions that refer to all the actions mobilized by companies wishing to integrate the digital world in order to benefit from its opportunities, to be more efficient and to succeed in their markets.  Although, “transition” and “transformation” are two notions used interchangeably, the majority of researchers in management sciences very often use the expression “digital transformation” in their scientific articles, to describe this phenomenon of change linked to the rise of digital technology. 

In this context, our present paper consists in exploring and analyzing the debate on these two expressions which have become the topical subject of the business world to forge a clear vision in favor of SMEs, and to make the various stakeholders understand and clarify of their ecosystem the objectives of each of them before adopting them in their modes of operation.  Therefore, we tried to focus on a non-exhaustive literature review to compare the two expressions.  The literature review shows that the etymological origins of the two terms are not mutually exclusive, they offer nuanced perspectives on how to describe, interpret and sustain change.  Therefore, science writers need to have a strong understanding of how these two terms can be used and make their choices logically and unambiguously so as not to distract readers from understanding.

Keywords: Digital transformation, digital transition, SME, ecosystem

JEL Classification:

Paper type: Theoretical research