Objective

This study analyzes the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the operational efficiency of Chilean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), aiming to identify the most relevant digital tools to support their development and guide public policy.

Method

We used microdata from the Fifth Longitudinal Survey of Enterprises (ELE5). An ANOVA was applied to assess differences in ICT adoption across economic sectors, and a factorial analysis was conducted to identify the most influential technological dimensions.

Results

Four key ICT dimensions—transactional, informational, infrastructure, and strategic—were found to significantly influence SME operations. The results highlight that ICT adoption varies notably across sectors, suggesting that its impact is not uniform.

Limitations

The analysis relies on cross-sectional data from 2017, limiting causal interpretations and excluding post-pandemic digital developments. Furthermore, binary variables reduce the granularity of technological usage assessment.

Main findings

ICTs play a strategic role in enhancing the operational efficiency of SMEs in Chile. The study provides empirical evidence to inform policy design aligned with the Digital Agenda 2030, offering a valuable baseline for future research and decision-making in emerging economies.

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