The digital transformation of VSEs and SMEs in 2025 proves to be a central issue for the sustainability of businesses. The adoption of artificial intelligence is witnessing a meteoric rise, reshaping current business strategies. Cybersecurity is becoming a priority, with a third of organizations facing real and growing threats. Data, the new currency of exchange, influences every decision-making process, making informed access to digital skills imperative. Implementing these changes requires reflection and method, especially since the reform of information systems remains a major challenge for every economic actor.
Digitalization within French VSEs and SMEs
The France Num Barometer highlights the notable evolution of digital practices within French VSEs and SMEs for 2025. A large sample of leaders has been surveyed to assess the adoption of new technologies, driven by a growing awareness of the benefits that digital tools offer.
Adoption of artificial intelligence
The adoption of AI among VSEs and SMEs has doubled in one year, reaching 26% of organizations. This figure reflects an ongoing digital transformation dynamic. The generalization of artificial intelligence is emerging as a major advance, although the needs for training and support are considerable.
Use of management software
The majority of businesses, at 69%, are now equipped with invoicing software. This trend, which is accelerating notably due to the requirement for electronic invoicing, encourages many VSEs and SMEs to adopt efficient ERP systems.
Cybersecurity
The cyber risk represents a tangible threat to small businesses, with 36% of them having already experienced a cybersecurity incident. This reality underscores the urgency of developing accessible and simple cybersecurity solutions for VSEs and SMEs.
Concerns about data
More than half of leaders, 52%, express concerns related to the loss or hacking of data. Despite increased awareness, many businesses lack robust security policies, revealing a need for education and tools in this area.
Data exploitation
The valorization of data is intensifying: 64% of companies exploit their financial data, while 53% analyze information related to customers and sales. This usage is becoming essential in the decision-making process, although the majority of businesses remain primarily descriptive in their approach for now.
Access to digital skills
The notion of access to digital skills appears positive, with 70% of VSEs and SMEs claiming to have the necessary skills. This reflects a notable dependence on external providers, making this market very dynamic for freelancers and specialized agencies.
Digital sobriety practices
An increasing number of companies, at 72%, have adopted at least one practice of digital sobriety, such as recycling or reducing energy consumption. Initiatives are multiplying, but their implementation often remains superficial and inconsistent.
Satisfaction with connectivity
85% of leaders report being satisfied with the reliability of their connection, indicating that the quality of infrastructure is no longer a major obstacle. Focus can now shift to applications, cybersecurity, and the performance of collaborative tools.
Investments in digital
42% of VSEs and SMEs have invested more than €1,000 in their digital projects in 2024, marking a significant increase compared to previous expenditures. This trend indicates a growing openness to packaged and scalable solutions.
Perception of digital contributions
The perception of digital has significantly improved, with 78% of businesses considering it to provide a real benefit to their activity. The debate has shifted towards the question of support and the effectiveness of investments.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main statistics regarding the adoption of AI by VSEs and SMEs in 2025?
In 2025, 26% of French VSEs and SMEs already use artificial intelligence, a figure that has doubled in one year, indicating a rapidly progressing adoption.
How does invoicing software influence the digital transformation of businesses?
69% of businesses are equipped with invoicing software, largely due to the obligation to implement electronic invoicing, which promotes the acceleration of ERP adoption and management solutions.
What is the prevalence of cybersecurity incidents in VSEs and SMEs?
36% of small entities have already experienced a cybersecurity incident, highlighting the importance of instituting simple and accessible security solutions.
What are the concerns regarding data loss or hacking in 2025?
52% of leaders fear the loss or hacking of their data, indicating an increased awareness of digital security issues in small businesses.
How do VSEs and SMEs use data for their decision-making?
64% of businesses exploit their financial data and 53% use customer and sales-related data, although the use remains primarily descriptive.
How many companies have implemented digital sobriety measures?
72% of VSEs and SMEs report having adopted at least one practice of digital sobriety, such as recycling or reducing energy consumption, although these initiatives often remain superficial.
What is the access rate to the necessary digital skills in VSEs and SMEs?
70% of businesses believe they have access to the required digital skills. However, many rely on external providers, indicating a dynamic market for freelancers and specialized agencies.
What investment has been made by VSEs and SMEs in their digital projects in 2024?
42% of businesses spent more than €1,000 on digital projects in 2024, reflecting a growing dynamic despite still modest budgets.
What is the perception of leaders regarding the benefits brought by digital?
78% of leaders believe that digital provides a real benefit to their activity, signaling that the debate on the necessity of adopting digital tools is now settled.
