The Level of Digitization of Polish Enterprises: Diagnosis and Challenges

Abstract

The primary objective of this article is to identify and assess the degree of variation in the digi-talization levels of Polish enterprises in relation to their size, compared to other European Union member states. The study employs a secondary data analysis (desk research) approach. The analysis utilizes the Digital Intensity Index, a methodology developed by Eurostat to determine the level of corporate digitalization. The research procedure incorporates multivariate statistical analysis methods. A novel research approach was the application of Centered Log‑Ratio (CLR) transformation followed by Z‑score standardization to eliminate issues inherent in compositional data and to ensure data comparability. Country grouping was performed using Ward’s method, while the optimal number of clusters was determined according to Mojena’s rule. The research findings revealed significant structural differences in digitalization levels depending on enterprise size. For small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), three distinct clusters were identified; Poland was classified into the moderately digitalized group, exhibiting a digital profile closely aligned with the EU average. Conversely, a division into only two clusters was observed among large enterprises. Regardless of size, Polish enterprises consistently maintain a position within the EU average range. However, a developmental barrier remains, hindering the transition to the group of digital leaders. The article highlights the necessity of targeted institutional support for the SME sector to overcome these identified barriers.