The IT strategy and perception of barriers faced by Polish manufacturing SMEs in the implementation of cloud computing

Purpose: The aim of the paper was to analyse barriers to adopting Cloud Computing solutions by small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on the review of literature and studies on the application of Cloud Computing solutions in small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the results of own research among this group of enterprises. Quantitative research was carried out using a survey questionnaire in December 2017 – February 2018, with the use of the CATI technique, among manufacturing enterprises in Poland. Findings: Investigated SMEs see fewer and fewer barriers in the implementation of new CC models. In the surveyed group most barriers are perceived by less than 30% of respondents. Research limitations/implications: A certain limitation of the study is that no separate Digital Business Strategy or Agile Strategy were considered, assuming that they were included in the adopted survey options. This result could have been influenced by the period in which the research was carried out, which is less than half a year before the entry into force of the General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR. Originality/value: The perception of barriers is discussed taking into account the application of an IT Strategy and the party responsible for the implementation