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<p>Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) are one-stop shops established by the European Union to support companies, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in their digital transformation. DIHs foster environments where firms can enhance their economic and social performance through collaboration with new partners and access to specialized services such as technology testing, training, investment support, and network development. Given the growing attention from policymakers, investors, academics, and technology firms, this study asks whether, and to what extent, DIHs improve SME performance. Using stochastic frontier analysis and data from Italian SMEs, the findings reveal that DIHs may negatively affect the dynamics of firms’ R&amp;D teams, thereby reducing economic and social performance. These results challenge the prevailing optimistic narrative surrounding DIHs and offer implications for SME managers, policymakers, hub administrators, and scholars concerned with the design and impact of digital support ecosystems.</p>

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Can Digital Innovation Hubs improve the performance of SMEs? Empirical evidence from Italy

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月16日

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  • Diego Matricano,
  • Eric W. Liguori

摘要

Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) are one-stop shops established by the European Union to support companies, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in their digital transformation. DIHs foster environments where firms can enhance their economic and social performance through collaboration with new partners and access to specialized services such as technology testing, training, investment support, and network development. Given the growing attention from policymakers, investors, academics, and technology firms, this study asks whether, and to what extent, DIHs improve SME performance. Using stochastic frontier analysis and data from Italian SMEs, the findings reveal that DIHs may negatively affect the dynamics of firms’ R&D teams, thereby reducing economic and social performance. These results challenge the prevailing optimistic narrative surrounding DIHs and offer implications for SME managers, policymakers, hub administrators, and scholars concerned with the design and impact of digital support ecosystems.