Help SMEs in Atlantic Canada engage with Digital
A UNB MBA Research Study
Small and mid-sized businesses are the heart of Atlantic Canada's economy - but many still face real challenges when it comes to digital literacy and technology adoption. I'm currently conducting MBA research at UNB Saint John focused on this critical issue:
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How can SMEs strengthen their digital strategies?
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What engagement models can better support SME success?
I'm working with several organisations to produce actionable, real-world insights — and I'm looking to connect with more businesses and leaders who are passionate about digital
transformation.
If you're an SME, or just someone interested in helping shape the future of digital adoption in Atlantic Canada, I’d love to hear from you!
"King Street, Saint John, New Brunswick" by Jonathan E. Shaw is licensed under CC BY-NC. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnnyshaw/31302195642
License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
What you can expect.
How the survey is organised.
Thank you for taking part in this survey! This section provides an overview of the survey's structure and helps you understand what to expect as you progress through the questions.
The survey is designed to be engaging and insightful, while gathering valuable information about your experiences and perspectives. Upon completion, you will have the option to request a follow-up interview to discuss your responses in more detail.
1
Your Organisation & Technology Use: We start with straightforward questions to help you ease into the survey. This section focuses on basic demographic information and general technology use in your organization.
(15 questions, 3-5 minutes)
2
Your Current Digital State: As you become more comfortable, we’ll present slightly more complex questions. These will delve into your experiences and opinions on the use of technology in your business environment.
(9 questions, 3-4 minutes)
3
Your Digital Competitiveness & Readiness: Next, you’ll encounter questions that require a bit more thought. This section is designed to draw out meaningful insights about your strategic views and potential areas for improvement.
(4 questions, 2-3 minutes)
4
Your Digital Outlook: Finally, we’ll conclude with reflective questions to wrap up your experience on a positive note, helping you to consider the big picture and providing an opportunity for any additional thoughts.
(4 questions, 1-2 minutes)
5
Optional Follow-up Interview: Upon completion of the survey, you will be provided with a link to request participation in a follow-up interview. This interview will allow us to explore your digital environment in greater depth.
Your survey responses will remain anonymous. Time to complete the survey: 9-14 minutes.
Make a bigger impact!
Participate in an Interview
The interviews are intentionally conversational, designed to let your insights lead the way. Rather than dictating the discussion, we follow your experiences to uncover what really matters. We work around your schedule - telephone, virtual, or face‑to‑face, you choose.
We’ll focus on these core themes to understand the barriers SMEs face in pursuing digital transformation and alignment strategies:
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Financial & Resource Constraints
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Technological & Digital Limitations
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Human & Cultural Resistance
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Trust, Relationships & Fear
Your perspective guides us - no scripts, no leading questions - just an open dialogue to capture the full picture.
Right to Withdraw
Your participation is entirely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. If you choose to withdraw, your data will be destroyed.
To receive a summary or the full research paper upon completion of the study, please make a request using the contact form.
Important Information
This project has been reviewed by the UNB Research Ethics Board and is on file as REB 2025-062.
Purpose
This research aims to understand how Atlantic Canadian SMEs can successfully adopt digital technologies to improve their businesses. We will explore solutions like low-code platforms and AI to help SMEs thrive in the digital age.
Risks & Benefits
There are minimal risks. Participation may help improve digital adoption in Atlantic Canadian SMEs, benefiting your business and the regional economy. You will receive a summary of the research findings, if requested.
Procedures
You will be asked to complete a survey and/or participate in an interview. Questions will cover your experiences with digital technology in your business.
Confidentiality
Your survey responses will be anonymous. If you participate in an interview, your name and email will be collected for coordination only. This data will be stored securely and separately from survey results. No identifiable information will be used in published findings.
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this research or survey please get in touch. If you would like to remain anonymous please leave name and email fields blank.
UNB Old Arts Building by Emma.davie is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:UNB_Old_Arts_Building.jpg