Introduction and Relevance
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico view digitalization as a means to grow; however, 58% of these businesses have been in digital transformation processes for over three years. According to the report “Digitalization Trends for SMEs 2025” by Movistar Empresas, 45% of SMEs have made solid progress in digital transformation, while 9% lack a plan.
Key Technological Solutions
The survey, conducted among Movistar customers, aimed to understand digital adoption. The primary solutions implemented are cybersecurity (68%), multicloud solutions (66%), and the use of technological devices (61%).
Artificial Intelligence is seen as a productivity booster, with 64% of SMEs planning to implement it in the future. Despite this interest, AI adoption remains limited, with only 37% of SMEs currently using it. Most (35%) apply AI in customer service, while 24% focus on marketing and sales.
Expectations and Challenges in Digitalization
SMEs that have adopted digital solutions believe it enhances productivity and strengthens business continuity. Consequently, 36% have noticed benefits in operational continuity, 28% have experienced productivity improvements, and 19% have reduced costs.
However, resistance to change remains a significant obstacle, as 81% of respondents face difficulties adopting new processes, primarily at leadership levels, hindering digitalization.
Budget constraints also delay digitalization, with 18% limited financially and another 7-13% lacking specialized personnel.
Moreover, the unawareness of benefits and protection methods against cybersecurity risks discourages digitalization, with 19% refusing to digitize due to fear of taking risks in this area.
These findings indicate that, although SMEs understand digitalization, they still face structural and training challenges. Nevertheless, this does not deter them from striving to remain competitive.
Key Questions and Answers
- What percentage of SMEs in Mexico have been in digital transformation processes for over three years? 58%
- What are the primary technological solutions implemented by SMEs? Cybersecurity (68%), multicloud solutions (66%), and technological devices (61%) are the most common.
- What percentage of SMEs plan to implement Artificial Intelligence in the future? 64% of SMEs plan to adopt AI.
- What percentage of SMEs currently use Artificial Intelligence? Only 37% of SMEs are using AI, mainly in customer service (35%) and marketing/sales (24%).
- What benefits have SMEs reported after adopting digital solutions? 36% noticed operational continuity benefits, 28% experienced productivity improvements, and 19% reduced costs.
- What challenges do SMEs face in digitalization? Resistance to change (81%), budget constraints (18%), and lack of specialized personnel (7-13%) are significant obstacles.
- Why do some SMEs avoid digitalization? 19% refuse to digitize due to cybersecurity risk concerns.
