STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to reveal the strategic priorities of socially responsible economic development of small and medium-sized businesses in the context of digital transformation of the world economy. Research methodology. The research process used a complex of general scientific and special methods, including methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization and systematization, comparative analysis, logical analysis method, system approach, structural-logical modeling method and scientific abstraction method. Results. It is emphasized that the European classification model is one of the most balanced, since it combines labor and financial criteria, while the OECD approach is convenient for statistical comparisons, but simplifies the real diversity of small and medium-sized businesses. It is proved from a theoretical point of view that it is advisable to treat small and medium-sized businesses as a set of socially responsible, economically independent enterprises that have limited labor, financial and managerial resources compared to large corporations, but play a systemic role in ensuring employment, competition, innovation, local development, international trade and adaptation of the economy to digital changes. The logic of the impact of digital transformation on the development of small and medium-sized businesses is presented as a sequence of interrelated changes that begin with the introduction of digital tools, continue with the restructuring of business processes, sales channels and interaction with consumers, and end with the formation of new opportunities and risks for the competitiveness of the enterprise. This approach gives grounds to argue that digital transformation affects SMEs not as a separate technical process of software implementation, but as a complex change in the logic of the enterprise's functioning. Practical significance of the research results. The prospects and risks of digital transformation for socially responsible economic development of SMEs are outlined, which should be considered systematically, taking into account their impact on the business model, markets, finances, personnel, security and international competitiveness. Digitalization can cause platform dependence when a company gains access to customers through a marketplace or social network, but loses some control over sales rules, commissions, algorithmic visibility, consumer data and reputation mechanisms.