Digitalization Risks in Supply Chains from the Perspective of SMEs

Digitalization risks in supply chains (SCs) are increasing, not least due to the COVID 19 crisis. Due to a lack of know-how and scarcity of resources, these are particularly difficult for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to manage. The increase in cyberattacks, e.g., also increases the risk of unintentionally disclosing critical firm knowledge. The aim of this article is to investigate digital risks with a special focus on knowledge risks. The study data were collected in SMEs using semi-structured interviews and an online questionnaire. The analysis of the results shows that there is already awareness of this type of risk in the enterprises studied. This article emphasizes that risk management (RM) must also be firmly anchored in SMEs and that awareness of current and potential risks must be created in the enterprise.