Navigating Digital Transformation in Heritage Cities: Challenges and Opportunities for Suzhou's Micro-Businesses

Fawad Ahmed; Qiaoqiao Xiang

Navigating Digital Transformation in Heritage Cities: Challenges and Opportunities for Suzhou's Micro-Businesses

Fawad Ahmed
, Qiaoqiao Xiang^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review

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Abstract

This study explores how micro and small
enterprises (MSEs) in Suzhou, China, navigate digital
transformation (DT) within a smart city context while
preserving cultural authenticity. Through a mixed-methods
approach involving survey data and thematic analysis, it
examines the challenges these businesses face, including limited
resources, skill shortages, and resistance to change, as well as
the opportunities digital tools provide in enhancing market
access and operational efficiency. The study emphasizes the role
of governance, localized strategies, and emotional dimensions of
risk in shaping DT outcomes. Findings highlight the need for
culturally responsive and inclusive digital strategies to ensure
that small enterprises in heritage-rich environments are not left
behind in the smart city transition.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	IEEE TEMSCON GLOBAL
Subtitle of host publication	2025 IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference - Global (TEMSCON Global) Proceedings
Editors	Tariq Samad, Andrea Belz
Place of Publication	New Jersey, USA
Publisher	IEEE
ISBN (Electronic)	979-8-3315-4274-0
Publication status	Published - 5 Aug 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Cite this

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title = "Navigating Digital Transformation in Heritage Cities: Challenges and Opportunities for Suzhou's Micro-Businesses",

abstract = "This study explores how micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Suzhou, China, navigate digital transformation (DT) within a smart city context while preserving cultural authenticity. Through a mixed-methods approach involving survey data and thematic analysis, it examines the challenges these businesses face, including limited resources, skill shortages, and resistance to change, as well as the opportunities digital tools provide in enhancing market access and operational efficiency. The study emphasizes the role of governance, localized strategies, and emotional dimensions of risk in shaping DT outcomes. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive and inclusive digital strategies to ensure that small enterprises in heritage-rich environments are not left behind in the smart city transition. ",

author = "Fawad Ahmed and Qiaoqiao Xiang",

year = "2025",

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editor = "Tariq Samad and Belz, \{Andrea \}",

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Navigating Digital Transformation in Heritage Cities: Challenges and Opportunities for Suzhou's Micro-Businesses. / Ahmed, Fawad ; Xiang, Qiaoqiao.
IEEE TEMSCON GLOBAL: 2025 IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society Conference - Global (TEMSCON Global) Proceedings. ed. / Tariq Samad; Andrea Belz. New Jersey, USA: IEEE, 2025. 1571135361.

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review

TY - GEN

T1 - Navigating Digital Transformation in Heritage Cities: Challenges and Opportunities for Suzhou's Micro-Businesses

AU - Ahmed, Fawad

AU - Xiang, Qiaoqiao

PY - 2025/8/5

Y1 - 2025/8/5

N2 - This study explores how micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Suzhou, China, navigate digital transformation (DT) within a smart city context while preserving cultural authenticity. Through a mixed-methods approach involving survey data and thematic analysis, it examines the challenges these businesses face, including limited resources, skill shortages, and resistance to change, as well as the opportunities digital tools provide in enhancing market access and operational efficiency. The study emphasizes the role of governance, localized strategies, and emotional dimensions of risk in shaping DT outcomes. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive and inclusive digital strategies to ensure that small enterprises in heritage-rich environments are not left behind in the smart city transition.

AB - This study explores how micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Suzhou, China, navigate digital transformation (DT) within a smart city context while preserving cultural authenticity. Through a mixed-methods approach involving survey data and thematic analysis, it examines the challenges these businesses face, including limited resources, skill shortages, and resistance to change, as well as the opportunities digital tools provide in enhancing market access and operational efficiency. The study emphasizes the role of governance, localized strategies, and emotional dimensions of risk in shaping DT outcomes. Findings highlight the need for culturally responsive and inclusive digital strategies to ensure that small enterprises in heritage-rich environments are not left behind in the smart city transition.

M3 - Conference Proceeding

BT - IEEE TEMSCON GLOBAL

A2 - Samad, Tariq

A2 - Belz, Andrea

PB - IEEE

CY - New Jersey, USA

ER -

Navigating Digital Transformation in Heritage Cities: Challenges and Opportunities for Suzhou's Micro-Businesses

Abstract

UN SDGs

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