DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PUBLIC SERVICES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC AND POLISH EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The relevance of forming an effective digital infrastructure for interaction between the state and small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine is revealed. It is determined that, under martial law, the digital transformation of the economy, and European integration, SMEs require not merely separate electronic services, but a comprehensive support ecosystem that combines administrative, informational, advisory, educational, financial, export-oriented, and anti-crisis tools. The article analyzes the role of the state as a developer, regulator, and integrator of digital services for business. Particular attention is paid to the Diia platform and the Diia.Business ecosystem, which provide online access to public services, business registration, consultations, educational materials, grant opportunities, digital maturity assessment services, and entrepreneur support programs. It is substantiated that these tools contribute to reducing administrative barriers, increasing the transparency of procedures, saving entrepreneurs’ time, and expanding SMEs’ access to state support. At the same time, the problematic aspects of the current digital infrastructure are identified: insufficient integration of services, limited personalization of recommendations, uneven regional access to digital opportunities, a low level of digital skills among some entrepreneurs, and the need for practical support for micro and small businesses. The experience of Poland in creating a digital ecosystem for entrepreneurship support is considered separately, in particular the functioning of Biznes.gov.pl, CEIDG online, Business Account, mObywatel, e-Urząd Skarbowy, PARP, innovation vouchers, SMART Path, FENG, and Digital Innovation Hubs. It is shown that for Ukraine, the value lies not only in the availability of individual services, but also in the logic of building a complete digital pathway for entrepreneurs — from business registration to needs assessment, selection of a support program, training, access to financing, implementation of digital tools, and evaluation of results. The article proposes directions for improving the Ukrainian model: creating a unified digital entrepreneur account, introducing a digital SME profile, developing voucher-based support for digitalization, integrating Diia.Business with financial and educational programs, forming sector-specific digital pathways, and establishing a network of regional digital hubs.