Big data in SMEs - findings of an empirical study

摘要

The aim of this study is to provide an analysis of the relevance, challenges and potentials of big data analytics for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. Big data is a comparatively young topic and the literature indicates that little research has addressed big data in SMEs in a German context. Given the lack of knowledge in this field, this paper follows a rather explorative approach. Based on literature review there is a research gap for SMEs in terms of relevance of big data analytics, of affiliated challenges and risks as well as opportunities and potentials and responsibility issues. Following a multi-perspective approach, twelve experts with various backgrounds were interviewed in order to get a holistic view of the topic. Half of them are employed in SMEs, whereas the other six experts come from external consultancies and academic institutions.