Assessing the Impact of Digitalization and Automation on Operational Efficiency and Financial Performance of Manufacturing SMEs: Using AI and IR approach based on numerical and text data.

This MSCA postdoctoral fellowship project aims to assess the impact of Digitalization and Automation (DA) on the operational and financial performance of manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. The research employs an innovative hybrid approach, combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Retrieval (IR) techniques to analyze both numerical data and unstructured text from company reports and scientific literature. The project's main objectives include:- Developing and validating text-based measures to quantify DA levels in manufacturing SMEs- Assessing the impact of DA on operational efficiency and financial performance- Identifying optimal levels of DA for manufacturing SMEsThe methodology involves creating a dictionary of DA terms, applying topic modeling to company reports and academic literature, and constructing panel datasets for regression analysis. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of DA's effects on SMEs compared to traditional survey-based methods. The research is structured into six work packages, covering project management, training and career development, data collection, data analysis, dissemination, and public outreach. The project will result in conference papers, journal articles, and book chapters, as well as various public engagement initiatives. Key expected outcomes include:- A framework for understanding DA in manufacturing SMEs based on scientific literature- A specialized dictionary of DA terms for the manufacturing SME context- Insights into the relationship between DA levels and SME performance- Recommendations for optimal DA implementation in manufacturing SMEsThe project contributes to scientific, technological, and social impacts by advancing AI and IR techniques in business research, informing policy decisions, and supporting SMEs in their digital transformation journey. The researcher will benefit from a multidisciplinary environment at Linnaeus University.