Low-Cost Digital Tools for Productivity: A Pilot Study in Turkish Manufacturing SMEs

This project aims to pilot and evaluate low-cost digital transformation solutions for manufacturing SMEs in collaboration with Samsun Model Factory in Türkiye. The project will assess their effectiveness in improving productivity and operational efficiency by implementing tools such as sensors, job tracking, and energy monitoring systems in three SMEs. Using an action research methodology, the study will identify practical and scalable interventions tailored to the needs of resource-constrained SMEs. The findings will inform the development of a framework for broader adoption across other model factories in Türkiye and similar global contexts. This research has the potential to generate actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, contributing to the advancement of digitalisation strategies for SMEs and fostering innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. The outcomes will also support the design of a future Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to evaluate the broader impact of these solutions rigorously.

Key facts

Principal Investigator: Guven Gurkan Inan
Affiliation: Assistant Professor, Heriot-Watt University