The Contribution of Digital Capabilities to Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises within the Context of Digital Transformation: A Field Study of a Sample of SME Owners in the City of Sétif

This study aims to examine the role of digital capabilities in enhancing digital operational efficiency within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), based on the perceptions of a sample of SME owners in the city of Sétif.To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive research method was adopted.Data were collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of two main sections: the first measured digital capabilities through 23 items distributed across three dimensions-digital exploration capabilities, digital exploitation capabilities, and digital transformation capabilities-while the second measured digital operational efficiency using nine items.The study sample consisted of 45 owners of small and medium-sized enterprises.The results indicate that the perceived level of importance of digital capabilities across all dimensions is high among SME owners.Similarly, the level of digital operational efficiency in these enterprises was found to be high.Furthermore, the findings reveal that digital capabilities play a significant role in enhancing digital operational efficiency in SMEs.These results suggest that digital capabilities represent more than a technological upgrade; they constitute a comprehensive strategic approach that enables SMEs to improve operational efficiency in the digital era, thereby facilitating the achievement of organizational objectives more effectively and with reduced operational costs.