The Government of the Azores, through the Vice-Presidency, has created the "Digital SME Distinction" for regional companies that demonstrate compliance with a series of good practices in the use of digital technologies, particularly in their production, marketing or management processes.
 
According to the Resolution and Regulation published today in the Official Journal, this initiative, developed through SDEA - Society for Business Development of the Azores falls within the @PME Project; the latter is included in the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness.
 
The measure, which requires an application process, aims to encourage the increase of the number of Azorean companies in the digital economy, thus enabling access to new markets. This will improve management skills and render the relation with costumers and supplier more efficient, with a subsequent increase of competitiveness.
 
Given the characteristics of the Azorean archipelago, digital technologies play a major role as they allow Azorean companies to enter into global value chains, in addition to optimising internal and external organisation processes and maximising their results. This will increase their competitiveness in the context of a global economy.