More than a quarter of small businesses rank their level of digitalisation as low, new research shows.
The survey was carried out by LeanBPI, an Irish digital growth consultancy for SMEs and micro-enterprises.
It suggests that almost 90,000 businesses in Ireland are struggling to digitise their operations.
Amongst microenteprises - businesses with nine or fewer employees - 30% ranked their digitalisation as low.
As Budget 2025 approaches, LeanBPI's research suggests a strong demand for additional digital support among small enterprises, as well as increased awareness of the supports already available.
Despite 96% of respondents expressing a willingness to learn and adopt digital tools and systems, more 12% of small businesses acknowledge having no experience using digital technology to enhance their operations.
Meanwhile, 15% have not yet implemented digital policies, and 31% are only beginning to develop these policies.
"We often talk about business being digital, but it’s important to remember that small and micro enterprises account for 98.7% of businesses in Ireland and many of them are yet to realise the benefits of digitalisation," said John O'Shanahan, managing director of LeanBPI.
"Our research shows a near-universal desire among small businesses to capitalise on the promise of digital, but they need guidance and support," he added.
