Facilitating Big Data Transformation in Danish SMEs: Insights for Managers

This chapter presents a digital learning concept developed for SMEs by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the learning outcome of the digital transformation
journeys of 12 Danish SMEs. With a big data technology competence boost, SMEs can better engage in – and take advantage of - the vast opportunities that data and analytics bring for creating new consumer insights, business intelligence, increasing decision-making power in the company, as well as triggering new ways of thinking and interacting with the market. To contribute to scientific development through a deeper understanding of the context and by capturing experiences, we first outline the data potential in a Danish SME context and identify the unique potentials and barriers. Second, we introduce the purpose, principles, and process of the digital learning concept “KomDigital” and its methodological underpinnings. Third, we illustrate empirically the managerial dilemmas and concerns, as well as the drivers and triggers for digital learning and transformation of two Danish SMEs. We then condense the learning experiences of the 12 companies into practical steps in a digital
transformation learning process that SMEs can take to initiate the big data journey. Finally, we present the managerial implications for those ready to take the first steps towards data-driven growth.