The Effects of Digital Transformation and Big Tech on Small Businesses in the Technology Industry

Measures taken by governments to combat the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the increase of digital transformation. While many companies across all industries suffered greatly from these measures, Big Tech companies profited. It is largely unknown what effects the increased digital transformation and influence of Big Tech companies have on small businesses in the technology industry, resulting in a knowledge gap. Both archival and survey research has been conducted to reduce this gap by illustrating the existing knowledge and measuring the opinion of Dutch small businesses respectively.

The research concludes that digital transformation and Big Tech companies are beneficial for small businesses in the technology industry. Digital transformation has led to an extra dynamic industry and Big Tech companies are responsible for most technological developments and cause the entire technology industry to grow. However, it is crucial for small businesses to respond correctly to maximize the benefit of this growth.