Within the framework of LinkIng PUCP 2025, a conference was organized on Digital Transformation (DT) in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This space brought together specialists from the academic, business and public sectors, who agreed that the future of Peruvian competitiveness depends on the ability of these companies to incorporate technology into their production processes.
The conference was attended by Francisco Escudero (EY) and Eduardo Rocca (PUCP), who shared recent data on the progress of digital maturity in the country. Both highlighted that MSMEs make up the majority of the Peruvian business fabric, but still face structural gaps in connectivity, financing and training. The challenge is not only technological, but also cultural. However, it is observed that companies are interested and motivated by the benefits of digital transformation, but there is still a gap to be filled in accompanying the process.
From the government side, Milagros Dios, representative of ProInnóvate, explained the programs and funds that the government has been promoting to promote productive digitalization. She stressed that programs such as MIPYME Digital have helped many companies in their TD processes and that they are not limited to acquiring equipment or software, but to transform business models. This is a very interesting space for them to reinvent their way of generating value.
The academic and business space was also present. Guido Silva (PUCP) and Daniel Munares (IDEAL SAC) offered a look at the construction sector, where digital technologies are already essential from the design to the execution of works. Both agreed that the adoption of technology is transforming the way of researching, planning and building in Peru. Frank Mendoza (UCSM) and Paolo Muñoz (CITEccal Lima) shared experiences from the regional innovation ecosystem and technology assistance centers. Mendoza highlighted the progress made by academia and the linkage spaces that allow the generation of innovation led by the university, while Muñoz emphasized the role of the technical support of the CITE in the process of business transformation, highlighting its tailor-made training spaces.
Among the first lessons learned is that MSMEs are not only the majority in number, but also in contribution to employment and national GDP. There is a growing interest in digital transformation and a greater awareness of its strategic relevance, but there are still gaps in training and connectivity, especially in regions outside Lima.
The participants agreed on four key needs: greater technical support, development of sectoral roadmaps, training aligned with digitization processes and a structural solution to the problem of connectivity.
The final reflection of the meeting was clear: "Digital transformation does not start with technology, it starts with you". A call to action for entrepreneurs, academia, institutions and government to take an active role in building a more innovative and inclusive Peru.
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