Survey objectives

You are invited to take part in a PhD research study through the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) that explores how a Small to Medium Business’s (otherwise called "Small to Medium Enterprise", or, SME) attitude and approach to technology—sometimes called its “digital identity”—influences success with adopting new digital tools, such as AI, apps, and online services. By understanding these attitudes, this research aims to develop practical advice that helps SMEs “go digital” more effectively and gain a competitive edge.

It’s well established that SMEs, whether urban or located in regional, rural, or remote (RRR) areas, face common challenges such as staying competitive, profitable, and relevant. However, many Aussie SMEs also have to deal with geographic distance, resource constraints, and environmental factors, increasing the need for self-sufficiency. One way to tackle these challenges is by embracing digital technologies and undergoing digital transformation.
The problem is that many SMEs struggle with the concept of what it means to “go digital” and how to effectively carry out digital transformation—resulting in high failure rates and poor adoption of new technologies.

Addressing these issues, especially among RRR SMEs, presents an opportunity to build stronger businesses and more resilient communities by reducing barriers and developing a new competitive advantage. With this in mind, this research will investigate the link between an SME’s digital identity and its digital transformation outcomes. The goal is to produce practical recommendations that improve the likelihood of success while also contributing to broader economic development policy.

WIN!

As a gesture of our appreciation for filling out the survey, you will be able to access the FREE guide: ‘Building and Growing Your Business: 100+ HAVE TO KNOW Digital Strategies, Concepts, and AI Prompts for Entrepreneurs.'

In addition, all participants will go in the draw to win one of the following:

- 3 x 3hour business consultation sessions with our PhD researcher, Peter Spinda, valued at $1,320 each.
- 10 x $50 Amazon Gift Cards

THE DIGITAL BUSINESS & AI SURVEY

This survey will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. We aim to capture key information to better understand your entrepreneurial needs regarding digital business and to actively address those needs.

So please make yourself a cup of coffee/tea as you work your way through the survey. If you find you don’t have time to complete it in one sitting, please don’t discard the questionnaire. Simply Exit the survey, and later return to where you were by clicking again on the survey link (or pasting it into your browser) and completing the remaining questions. (This function will be available provided you use the same device/browser and have 'Remember history' and 'Cookies' enabled. Should you encounter any technical issues please see our contact details below.)

YOUR PRIVACY

We understand that some of the answers you may provide will be sensitive in nature. We give an unequivocal undertaking that we will strictly maintain the confidentiality of responses of individual participants in this research. Only the research leaders and key UniSQ staff will have access to the data for analysis purposes. The data will be securely stored within the UniSQ Institute for Resilient Regions in a de-identified format. The survey will be carried out in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Our published findings will refer only to the overall figures which emerge from the responses. In addition, by completing this survey it is understood that you permit the WiRE Program to use, in context, any de-identified information gathered by the survey.

PROJECT TEAM AND CONTACT

Professor Retha Wiesner, WiRE Program Director from the University of Southern Queensland, and Pete Spinda (PhD Candidate) are leading this research. Please don’t hesitate to contact Retha at retha.wiesner@unisq.edu.au or 0412471839 should you have any concerns or queries.

ACCESSING YOUR COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT

After submitting the survey, you will be taken to a webpage where you can download the exclusive and valuable guide ‘Building and Growing Your Business: 100+ HAVE TO KNOW Digital Strategies, Concepts, and AI Prompts for Entrepreneurs’.

To receive a copy of the project report, please email Retha Wiesner at retha.wiesner@unisq.edu.au. She will send it to you once we have analysed the data.

THIS SURVEY CLOSES 14th APRIL 2025.

We thank you for allocating some time from your very busy schedule to this project!!!

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