Digitální transformace malých a středních podniků jako reakce na éru COVIDU-19

This thesis focuses on the experiences of SME executives with the digital transformation process that took place in response to the Covid 19 pandemic.The thesis includes qualitative research consisting of seven semi-structured interviews and calculations of profitability indicators of selected firms that operate in the most affected sectors of the economy and were forced to respond strategically to this sudden event in order to survive. Based on the data from seven semi-structured interviews, recommendations for companies in similar situations are formulated. Firms found the biggest benefit of the digital transformation undertaken in response to the covid 19 pandemic to be time and cost savings. Key findings also relate to firms' attitude and inclination towards new technologies, the processes and steps that precede the implementation of a successful digital solution or proven steps to generate employee interest in digital transformation. From the research results, it was found that the successful implementation of digital transformation in companies is due to their complete openness to new technologies, finding, testing and experimenting with them. Even before implementing new technologies, it proved beneficial for companies to discuss this step with experts and acquire the technology directly from the developer, not through an intermediary. Digital transformation has caused dissatisfaction among employees in most of the companies interviewed, so companies mention approaches that have proven successful for them, such as testing innovations on smaller groups, looking for added value for a specific employee's position or training them. The shared experiences of company directors in strategic decision-making on digitalisation can serve as inspiration not only for directors of companies in similar situations, but also for the general public.