Evaluation model of digital capability of small and micro enterprises based on fuzzy synthesis and analytic hierarchy process

Abstract

With the acceleration of digital transformation, enhancing the digital capability of small and micro enterprises (SMEs) has become a critical factor for their sustainable development. To scientifically evaluate the level of enterprise digitalization, this study constructs a digital capability evaluation model that integrates the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE). The model includes four dimensions: resource collaboration, digital technology, operational management, and environmental awareness, with indicator weights determined through expert interviews. Empirical analysis of 20 SMEs in Guizhou Province reveals that digital technology is the most influential factor (weight = 0.3957), while many enterprises perform poorly in resource coordination and technology application. The average score of digital capability is 60.53, indicating a moderate level overall, with only 5% of enterprises showing strong digital capability and about 20% demonstrating high environmental awareness. The results show that the proposed AHP-FCE model outperforms traditional methods in robustness, reliability, and adaptability, offering an effective tool and practical guidance for the digital transformation of SMEs.