A new publication by Carsten Rietmann examines how Hidden Champions in rural areas deal with digitization. As highly innovative small- and medium-sized market leaders, Hidden Champions face the challenge of maintaining their niche dominance. However, companies in rural areas are often faced with limited resources in terms of digitalization and innovation. By analyzing expert interviews with around 30 German Hidden Champions, a typology was developed with four types of companies that differ in their approach to digitization: Digital Hidden Champions, Hidden Champions of Digitalization, Traditional Hidden Champions, and Digitalization-Skeptical Hidden Champions. The article presents their digitization-related potential and risk assessments, resource availability, digitization strategy and digitization-related innovation results. The study shows that innovative market leaders are not necessarily pioneers of digitalization. The article contributes to a deeper understanding of the tension between digitalization, small- and medium-sized enterprises and rural areas. The article is available in open access mode at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08276331.2021.1979909
Rietmann, C. (2021): Digital pioneers in the periphery? Toward a typology of rural Hidden Champions in times of digitalization. Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship. Advance online publication. DOI: 10.1080/08276331.2021.1979909
