A study by CONCANACO SERVYTUR reveals that the lack of training is the main barrier to the digitalisation of SMEs, while only 30.95% use data for strategic decisions.
The digital transformation of family businesses in Spain faces a major obstacle: the lack of training. This is highlighted in the 3rd Study on the Digitalisation of SMEs 2026, conducted by the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CONCANACO SERVYTUR), which indicates that 38.53% of companies consider the lack of training as the primary barrier to adopting digital tools.
The study, which analyses the situation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MiPyMEs), reveals that 39.61% of them view training as the most important support to strengthen their competitiveness. However, only 30.95% systematically use data to make strategic decisions, highlighting a significant gap in business management.
Companies that have successfully incorporated digital tools achieve up to 22 percentage points more profitability than the average, according to the report. This figure contrasts with the current reality: while in 2025, 44% of companies reported growth exceeding 30%, so far in 2026 that figure has plummeted to 6%. Additionally, only 29.43% have recorded an improvement in profitability, and one in four has reduced staff.
Training Strategy for Digitalisation
In light of this situation, CONCANACO SERVYTUR has promoted a permanent training strategy through its 258 Chambers. In the last three years, the Confederation has developed 3,693 courses, workshops, webinars, diplomas and certification processes, which have accumulated over 315,000 participations. This training offer has consolidated itself as one of the largest in the country in the business field.
The specialised programmes cover areas such as digitalisation, innovation, e-commerce, leadership, finance and regulatory compliance. “A family business that invests in training strengthens its present and secures its future. Professionalising means incorporating new tools, preparing for changes, and building companies capable of transcending generations,” stated Octavio de la Torre, president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR.
Within this strategy, the Nido Empresarial Universitario initiative stands out, collaborating with 45 higher education institutions, including UNAM, UAM, BUAP, and several autonomous universities. The programme has trained over 2,700 young people through a scheme of 24 hours of training, 12 modules, and 24 sessions in digital marketing, e-commerce, finance, innovation, leadership, sales, and business model development.
For Spanish SMEs, this data underscores the importance of prioritising training as a tool to face digitalisation. Investment in training not only improves competitiveness but can also make a difference in an economic context where only a minority of companies manage to grow. The study by CONCANACO SERVYTUR offers a clear roadmap: those who invest in professionalisation and digital tools will have better chances of surviving and thriving in the current market.
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