Shandova Nataliia, Doctor of Economics, Professor, The Head of the Department of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Economic security, Kherson National Technical University, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-6278-1143
e-mail: shandova.nataliya@kntu.edu.ua

Rybas Denys, Gaduate student of the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education, Kherson National Technical University, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0009-0003-8413-9535
e-mail: rybas.denys@kntu.net.ua

Models of Forming Competitive Strategies for the Economic Security of SMEs under Digital Transformation

Abstract. Introduction. The article addresses the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of digital transformation, which increases both opportunities for growth and risks to economic security. Rapid technological changes, limited access to financing, low digital skills, and rising cyber threats make traditional approaches to economic security insufficient, particularly in post-conflict economies such as Ukraine.

Purpose. The aim of the study is to develop and substantiate models of competitive strategies for ensuring the economic security of SMEs under conditions of digital transformation, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud services, and fintech solutions to enhance resilience and competitiveness.

Results. Based on a systemic approach that combines comparative analysis and modeling, the article proposes a hybrid model of competitive strategies consisting of four interrelated components: digital risk assessment, technology integration, adaptive strategic planning, and performance monitoring through key performance indicators (KPIs). A distinctive feature of the proposed model is the introduction of a Hybrid Digital Cooperative (HDC), which allows SMEs to pool financial and technological resources, access advanced digital tools on a subscription basis, and benefit from collective knowledge sharing. This cooperative mechanism reduces the individual cost of digitalization, enhances resilience against cyber threats, fosters innovation through shared platforms, and opens opportunities for internationalization. The results demonstrate that such an approach not only mitigates risks but also transforms economic security into a sustainable source of competitive advantage, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery and integration into the global digital economy.

Conclusions. The study emphasizes that the application of the proposed model can transform economic security into a source of competitive advantage for SMEs. For Ukraine, this approach is particularly relevant as it helps overcome financial and technological constraints, supports post-conflict recovery, and creates prerequisites for the development of digital ecosystems based on state initiatives. The results can serve as a basis for further research in digital business security, SME support policies, and innovative cooperation mechanisms in the digital economy.

Keywords: economic security, competitive strategies, digital transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cyber threats, innovation models, hybrid digital cooperative, strategic planning.

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