But digital responsibility is no longer a matter of choice. Customers, partners, and regulators expect businesses to manage data securely, act transparently, and apply technology in ways that build trust. For SMEs, this makes investment in education and skills development necessary.
SMEs should prioritise upskilling (acquiring new skills to improve in the same job or tackle new responsibilities) and reskilling (acquiring new skills for an entirely different position) their existing workforce.[5] Training should of course include both technical staff and non-technical employees so that everyone understands what ethical digital practices entail.
Bridging the gap requires more than technical training and involves embedding responsibility into the organisational mindset. Leadership commitment is key. SMEs should ensure that digital ethics, cybersecurity awareness, and transparent data handling become part of daily operations. This can include simple measures such as adopting clear policies[6] and maintaining open communication about responsible use of AI and data.
One effective way to access knowledge and resources is to join collaborative projects such as DIRECT project, which brings together experts, SMEs, and institutions to share best practices and provide practical training opportunities. By participating in DIRECT, SMEs gain access to tools, workshops, and peer learning that would otherwise be costly or difficult to organise on their own. For employees, this means hands-on learning experiences that strengthen their digital responsibility skills and build confidence in applying them at work.
Rapid digital changes mean SMEs must continuously adapt their skills, processes, and decision-making to manage risks, use data responsibly, and apply new technologies effectively. Treating digital responsibility as a continuous process helps SMEs build resilience and maintain competitiveness. Employees benefit from this ongoing approach by continuously developing their competences, ensuring they remain adaptable and valuable in the digital workplace.
[1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/digital-skills-training-blueprints-upskilling-sme-employees-and-unemployed-persons
[2] https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2021/08/smes-going-digital_3b1e76c1/c91088a4-en.pdf p. 15
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296324005927
[4] https://algorithms.dk/2025/05/09/smes-lack-ai-competencies-both-at-the-management-and-employee-level-according-to-a-new-survey-but-66-percent-of-them-have-adopted-ai/
[6] https://hrfraternity.com/business-excellence/infusing-digital-responsibility-into-your-organization.html
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