Abstract:

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)occupy a special position within the German economy and the global trend towards digitization increasingly affects the business models of these companies. The successful transformation of analog business models requires a large number of resources that allow companies to prepare their business models for the future. However, not all companies have the same conditions since the ones in rural areas have to contend with various factors, including infrastructure problems, inadequate network coverage and a lack of skilled workers. Accordingly, this study will focuse on the question which disruptive effects digitization has on the business models of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the service sector in rural areas. A special focus will be placed on the opportunities, risks and challenges. The region of South Westphalia will be used as a model region for rural areas in the course of the survey.