Market study
SME insights
We are excited to share with you the insights of our small and medium enterprises’ study from seven European countries. Going forward, join us regularly for new releases from our SME insights.
Who answered
1,238 respondents from 7 European countries
1,238 respondents from small and medium enterprises up to 500 employees, and from 7 European countries.
Countries
- Austria
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Poland
- Spain
- United Kingdom
Roles and businesses
Owners, Directors & Leaders
From Sales & Marketing to Operations, Digital & IT, Finance and HR – respondents span B2B, B2C and hybrid businesses across multiple industries.
Eight categories
Inside the Minds of European SMEs: 8 Key Business Challenges
We collaborated with over 1,200 small and medium-sized businesses across Europe to bring you the latest market insights. But we didn’t stop there – we also listened closely to our customers to understand their biggest challenges and top priorities. Explore our findings, organized into 8 key business categories, to see what matters most to businesses like yours.
01Growth and Commercial
For SMEs, growth isn’t just a goal – it’s the top priority for the next 12 months. Whether it’s winning new customers, expanding into new markets, or boosting brand awareness, the focus is on scaling smart and fast.
02Product and Service Innovation
For SMEs, product innovation is more than a goal – it’s a must. Whether you’re developing a new product, refining an existing one, or bringing a prototype to life, staying ahead means making smart, strategic moves.
03Customer Experience and Care
For SMEs, customer experience is a top priority. In fact, 51% want to improve their channels, 46% focus on better processes, and 37% aim to enhance product quality. Find the right strategies to boost satisfaction and keep customers coming back!
04IT and Digitization
For SMEs, keeping up with AI, security, and data management is the key to staying competitive. The right tech can boost performance, streamline operations, and open new growth opportunities. Make technology work for your business, not the other way around!
05People
Only 35% of SMEs are on track with developing new capabilities and expertise for long-term success. Many are focusing on digitization, analytics, marketing, and management, but there’s still room to grow. Ensure you have the skills and expertise to stay ahead!
06Finance and Cost
Rising costs and inflation? Yep, SMEs feel the pressure. That’s why optimizing cash flow, boosting revenue, and managing costs smartly is more important than ever. Strong finance processes keep your business running smoothly and profitably.
07Operations and Procurement
Great operations don’t happen by chance – they’re built with smooth supply chains, smart procurement, and strong supplier relationships. When everything clicks, costs go down, efficiency goes up, and your business runs like a dream. Make it faster, smarter, and more efficient!
08Strategy
How can partnerships fuel your growth? What are your top priorities for the next year, or the next five? How do you take your business to the next level? These are the questions SME leaders are asking every day. Turn your biggest strategic questions into action!
In their words
Which key opportunities do small and medium-sized businesses see?
Growth, Sustainability and AI
“Continuously building our existing customer base by acquiring new customers, successfully expanding our company’s online and offline presence, succeeding in achieving an environmentally friendly and sustainable corporate culture, and increasing productivity with the help of artificial intelligence!”
New Products and Services
“Introduction of new niche products and services that are profitable for us.”
Customer Experience
“We see the biggest opportunity in strengthening interaction with customers and improving their experience. By using big data and artificial intelligence, companies can better understand customer needs and offer personalized services and products.”
AI, Technology and Digitization
“The biggest opportunity for my business is the adoption and massive use of technology products to boost productivity and enhance customer experience using AI and Virtual reality.”
Operational Excellence
“In the last two years, our most effective initiative was to implement a simplification program of operational efficiency, strengthening our competitiveness in the market, reducing costs, and improving the efficiency and customer service.”
Transformation Execution
“The most successful initiative of our business in the last two years was the introduction of a new project management system. Through that, we could significantly increase the efficiency of our team, shorten the duration of projects, and increase the quality of our services. This has led to higher customer satisfaction and an increase in company revenue.”
Insights from our market study with 1,238 businesses.
Read the study
2024 articles
What is top of mind for European SMEs?
Dr. Karolina Sauer-Sidor, Andreas Sauer, Joerg Erlemeier
What are the challenges small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are facing? What are their priorities for the short, mid, and long term? What are the growth and digitization priorities? These are just some questions from our study performed in seven countries among 1,238 respondents.
Read the full articleHow do SMEs steer their business?
Dr. Karolina Sauer-Sidor, Andreas Sauer, Joerg Erlemeier
How do small and medium businesses steer their business to drive performance? What are current practices in financial, operational and implementation steering? Below the results of our study performed in seven countries among 1,238 respondents. Focus of this article: financial and operational steering.
Read the full articleGet in touch
Would you like to share your insights with us?
If our SME insights resonate with your experience or if you would like to share your experience, do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear your perspective.