Opinion column: We urgently need to digitalize our small businesses

(Opinion originally published in L’Opinion, April 7, 2017)

On March 8, 2017, the French National Digital Council (CNNum) handed over its “Croissance Connectée” report to the government to launch a real emergency plan for the digitalization of VSEs/SMEs. Online presence, e-commerce and local marketing: French companies are falling worryingly behind. This is not an incidental or cosmetic issue. It is central to creating the conditions for sustainable growth for our companies and the jobs they generate. Although 57% of companies have identified digital technology as a key medium-term strategic priority, only 36% have formalized an appropriate strategy. And yet, the companies that are most advanced in their digital transformation have grown 6 times faster than those that are lagging behind [1].

Goodwill

As an independent body charged with making recommendations to public authorities on the impact of digital technology, the CNNum has a responsibility. The Association Transition Numérique Plus is a grouping of some one hundred IT manufacturers who are partners in the government’s Digital Transition program. As a trade association representing over 1,800 digital companies, Syntec Numérique has a responsibility. As a leader in local digital services, supporting 500,000 businesses every day, SoLocal Group has a responsibility. Today, we want to work together, and with all the goodwill that will join us, to achieve the country’s digital transition.

The event organized by the CNNum on April 12 aims to make these responsibilities clear to all players, including the presidential candidates. A large number of players are now ready to get involved: regions, local authorities, support networks, professional federations and even SMEs themselves. Although they are mobilized or ready to do so, the subject has not yet benefited from national political support commensurate with the stakes.

Tous Numériques

That’s why we welcome the creation of Tous Numériques, an association under the French law of 1901 promoting digital uses, which enables SMEs to receive free training in and through digital technology, to learn how to innovate. And we call on everyone to join forces in this mission to transform our SMEs. Our watchwords: raise awareness, train, equip and support.

With this in mind, we are taking the initiative of presenting the presidential candidates with proposals to make France the champion of the local digital economy in Europe:

• Entrust the French government with the task of providing local communication and training to very small businesses.
• Develop a professional digital culture through a common skills base and a compulsory one-month internship in a digital company.
• Launch a massive digital catch-up plan to equip businesses with Internet visibility solutions (website, digital business card, online appointment booking, etc.) and grant regional financial aid.

This term is our last chance to accelerate the digital transformation of our economy. Yes, we probably need to rethink our regulatory frameworks, which are causing difficulties for VSE/SME managers. But it’s just as urgent to give them the means to take advantage of the levers offered by digital technology. Candidates, you are enthusiastic about start-ups. And rightly so. But the challenge today is to give everyone access to digital growth. Today, this is a question of general interest for France!

(1) – Du rattrapage à la transformation. L’aventure numérique, une chance pour la France, Roland Berger – Cap Digital, September2014.

(2) – The Digital Economy and Society Index, European Commission, February2016.

Laurent BAUDART, General Delegate, Syntec Numérique; Guy MAMOU-MANI, Vice-Chairman, Conseil National du Numérique; Laurent PONTEGNIER, General Delegate, Association Transition Numérique +; Jean-Pierre REMY, CEO, SoLocal Group and Amal TALEB, Vice-Chairman, Conseil National du Numérique.