INTRODUCTION &
BACKGROUND
The Role of IoT in SMEs Developing Personal Health Monitoring
Platforms
Digital Revolution in Healthcare
The rise of the digital era, powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), has led to
pivotal changes, especially in the health domain. The transformation is evident,
fostering a patient-centered healthcare approach, but with its unique set of
challenges for SMEs.
Challenges Faced by SMEs
While large enterprises possess the resources to seamlessly integrate IoT,
SMEs confront multifaceted obstacles. These range from technical to financial,
strategic, and operational aspects, particularly when focusing on health
monitoring platforms.
Study Objective
While large enterprises possess the resources to seamlessly integrate IoT,
SMEs confront multifaceted obstacles. These range from technical to financial,
strategic, and operational aspects, particularly when focusing on health
monitoring platforms.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS &
HYPOTHESES
Research
Questions
What are the unique challenges
SMEs encounter when integrating IoT
into their personal health monitoring
platforms, as part of their innovation
strategy?
How do these challenges differentiate
from those larger organizations
confront in their journey of integrating
IoT into healthcare
Are there existing strategies, best
practices, or frameworks that have
proven beneficial for SMEs to
overcome these challenges and
successfully implement IoT in their
health monitoring platforms?
Hypotheses
• H1: Small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs), when aiming to incorporate IoT into
their health monitoring platforms, grapple with
distinct challenges that might not be as
prevalent or pronounced for larger
enterprises.
• H2: For SMEs, the efficacious integration of
IoT into health monitoring systems hinges on
tailored strategies and frameworks,
specifically designed considering their unique
operational challenges and resource
constraints.
PROBLEM
S TAT E M E N T
Innovation in the Digital Age: As technological advancements continue to redefine the contours of
innovation management, from 'closed innovation' to 'networked digital innovation', the application and
implications of these shifts for SMEs, especially within the realm of personal health monitoring platforms
using IoT, remain under-researched.
Unique Challenges for SMEs: While larger organizations often spearhead the discourse on digital
transformation, SMEs grapple with a unique set of challenges. These include the rapid pace of
technological evolution, cybersecurity threats, and intricate data protection issues. The integration of IoT in
personal health monitoring further complicates this landscape, demanding specialized strategies to
navigate its complexities.
Research Gap: Current literature predominantly focuses on the broader nuances of digital transformation.
However, there's a palpable dearth of studies that cater to the specific needs, challenges, and aspirations
of SMEs, particularly when leveraging IoT for personal health monitoring platforms. This lack of focus not
only sidelines the unique dynamics of SMEs but also overlooks the ethical, privacy, and data protection
concerns accompanying IoT deployment in health monitoring.
In Essence: As the digital health metamorphosis beckons, there is an imperative need for a
comprehensive study that holistically addresses the challenges faced by SMEs in harnessing IoT's vast
potential for personal health monitoring. This research seeks to bridge the prevailing gap, aiming to craft a
pragmatic, SME-centric framework to guide these entities through the turbulent waters of digital innovation.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
STUDY
Digital Transformation & SMEs
As the digital age advances, SMEs are at the forefront
of integrating emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and
cloud computing. Yet, specific challenges and
dynamics inherent to SMEs, particularly in the realm of
personal health monitoring via IoT, remain
underexplored.
Unique SME Landscape
SMEs aren't just smaller versions of large
corporations. Their unique challenges, aspirations,
and intricacies can significantly influence their journey
in digital innovation. As the discourse on digital
transformation often spotlights larger entities, the
nuances of SMEs remain overshadowed.
IoT & Health Monitoring
The combination of IoT and personal health monitoring
heralds a revolution in healthcare. Yet, the potential pitfalls –
data security concerns, integration complexities, regulatory
challenges – loom large, especially for SMEs trying to
navigate this emerging domain.
Filling the Research Void
There's a clear gap in understanding how SMEs can adeptly
employ IoT for health monitoring platforms. While the ethical
considerations of IoT deployment, including privacy and
data protection, have been discussed, the SME perspective
is often absent.
Practical & Academic Contributions
This research is not merely academic; its outcomes will
provide actionable insights and a pragmatic framework for
SMEs. Simultaneously, it aims to enrich the scholarly
discourse, shedding light on a largely untouched
intersection of SMEs, IoT, and health innovation.
AIM &
OBJECTIVES
Aim: Develop a robust digital innovation strategy tailored for SMEs to navigate the evolving
tech landscape.
Objectives:
1.Understand Tech Trends: Equip SMEs to recognize and capitalize on emerging digital
trends.
2.Set Clear Goals: Help SMEs crystallize their digital transformation vision.
3.Align Tech with Business: Guide SMEs in selecting tech that aligns with their business
goals.
4.Boost Digital Skills: Strengthen SMEs' digital proficiencies across various domains.
5.Prioritize Security: Emphasize the importance of digital security and data protection.
6.Ensure Continuous Review: Advocate for regular strategy evaluations and updates.
Outcome: Empower SMEs to confidently steer their digital transformation journey, focusing
on agility, security, and continuous adaptation.
L I T E R AT U R E
SURVEY
Impact of Key Digital Technologies
•
•
•
•
•
AI: Efficient data processing for faster innovation.
IoT: Real-time data sharing, process integration.
Big Data: Enhanced decision-making.
Cloud: Affordable, scalable innovation resources.
Challenges: Cybersecurity, data privacy, skill gaps.
Digital Shift in Innovation Management
• Advent of AI, big data, cloud computing, IoT transformed practices.
• Moved from product-focused to user-centric services.
• New challenges: cybersecurity, data privacy, rapid tech advancements.
Innovation Management Evolution
• From industrial revolution to digital age.
• Shift from 'closed innovation' to 'open innovation'.
• Introduction of ‘digital’ or ‘networked’ innovation in the 21st century.
L I T E R AT U R E S U R V E YCONTINUED
Hurdles in Digital Innovation for SMEs
• Cybersecurity threats.
• Constant upskilling due to tech pace.
• International data protection regulations.
Research Gap in Digital Innovation
• Lack of SME-focused studies, especially IoT for personal health platforms.
• Larger organizations dominate the discourse, sidelining SMEs' unique challenges.
• Ethical challenges in IoT: Privacy, data protection, user consent.
A N A LY S I S O F T E C H N O L O G I E S I N
SMES
Overview: IoT is revolutionizing health and fitness monitoring, providing SMEs with a competitive edge in
this burgeoning sector. The integration of IoT devices with health metrics presents opportunities and
challenges unique to SMEs, especially when contending with larger entities.
IoT in Health & Fitness Monitoring for SMEs:
Category
Challenges
Benefits/Impacts
•
Real-time Health Metrics
• Immediate feedback on health
parameters.
• Personalized user experiences
based on real-time data.
•
Remote Patient Monitoring
• Continuous healthcare for those with
chronic illnesses and the elderly.
• Opportunities for niche telemedicine
services.
•
Seamless Integration
• Sync with broader health
ecosystems, such as health
providers, wearable tech, and
pharmacies
• Centralized health information.
•
Resource Efficiency
• Efficient data collection, analysis, and
dissemination.
• Scalability to handle varied user
loads.
•
•
•
•
Ensuring the accuracy and
consistency of real-time data.
Reliability of sensors and
connectivity.
Reliability of sensors and
connectivity.
Managing high volumes of patient
data.
Interoperability challenges with
diverse platforms and systems.
Data standardization for effective
integration.
Ensuring infrastructure robustness
and scalability.
Managing the demands of
increased data volume and users.
Digital Innovation Deployment in SMEs:
S T R AT E G Y F O R
I M P L E M E N TAT I O
N
• Understand the Tech Landscape: Grasp AI, IoT, cloud
computing. Stay updated.
• Set Clear Objectives: Define long and short-term digital
goals.
• Tech Aligns with Goals: Choose technologies that support
business aims.
• Build Digital Skills: Train or hire for needed skills.
• Prioritize Security & Privacy: Protect data and follow
policies.
• Review Progress: Regularly adjust strategies.
Why This Strategy?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Stay Competitive: Understand evolving tech.
Resource Efficiency: Align all efforts towards a goal.
Value Addition: Choose tech that benefits the business.
Skill Upgradation: Necessity of evolving tech skills.
Trust & Safety: Secure data, gain customer trust.
Stay Relevant: Update strategy with changing landscape.
Strategy Implications for SMEs:
• Clear Roadmap: Easier navigation through digital
transformation.
• Proactive Innovation: Stay resilient and ahead of the curve.
REQUIREMENTS
Technical Resources
Human Resources
• Digital tech software access (AI,
Big Data, IoT, cloud).
• Stable internet connection
• Open-source analytical tools (R,
Python, NVivo).
• Academic databases (JSTOR,
ScienceDirect).
• High-power computing hardware
• Secure data storage.
• Online communication (Zoom,
MS Teams).
• Student Researcher (Data
collection, analysis, report).
• Academic Supervisors (Guidance
and feedback).
• Peer Reviewers (Design and
report review).
• SME Representatives (Primary
data source).
Financial Resources
Financial Resources
Estimate
Estimate
• Minimal costs (software
subscriptions, articles,
data).
• Possible incentives for SME
reps.
• Accessible within
academic/professional
network.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Technical
Research
Resources
Design
• Mixed-Methods Approach:
• Quantitative: Survey
among SMEs for
statistical data on digital
technology usage.
• Qualitative: Interviews
with selected SMEs for
in-depth insights.
• Iterative Process:
Adjustments based on initial
findings.
Data Acquisition
Human Resources
Techniques
• Surveys:
• Online platform.
• Closed-ended questions
about technology use
and challenges.
• Interviews:
• Select group of SMEs.
• Explore deep insights
and unique perspectives.
Data Analysis
Financial Resources
Techniques
Estimate
• Quantitative:
• Analyzed using
SPSS.
• Identify patterns,
trends, and
correlations.
• Qualitative:
• Theme and pattern
recognition.
WORK PLAN
Key Research Phases and Tasks
• Literature Review: Review existing literature on digital innovation in SMEs.
• Survey Design: Create a survey for quantitative data from SMEs.
• Interviews: Conduct interviews for qualitative insights.
Phase
Timeline
Literature Review
Month 1-2
Survey Design &
Distribution
Month 3
Conducting Interviews
Month 4
Risk Management & Contingency Plan
Data Analysis
Month 5-6
• Risks: Low survey response and interview scheduling
issues.
Drafting the Thesis
Month 7-9
Review & Submission
Month 10
• Data Analysis: Analyze all collected data.
• Drafting the Thesis: Write based on the analysis.
• Plan: Have backup SMEs for surveys and interviews.
Start survey and interview processes early to mitigate
delays.
KEY INSIGHTS
Ethical & Legal Dimensions ⚖
Digital Potential & Opportunities
⚙
•
Harnessing IoT's transformative
potential in personal health
monitoring for SMEs
•
Holistic Approach 🔵
Adopting an integrated method,
intertwining opportunity and
responsibility
•
Addressing ethical challenges and
maintaining legal adherence
Ethical challenges around informed
consent & data ownership
Concluding Remarks: SMEs at the crossroads of
innovation & responsibility must prioritize ethics,
legal compliance, data privacy, & safety to gain user
trust.
Data & User Security 🔒
Trust & Responsibility 🤝
•
Prioritizing data protection, privacy,
and overall safety.
• Cybersecurity & user control
paramount in data handling.
•
•
Balancing innovation with the trust
and responsibility towards u
Device reliability and industry safety
standards are crucial.
A P P R O A C H T O I O T I N H E A LT H
MONITORING
Opportunity &
Innovation
The transformative role of
IoT in SMEs promises a
significant evolution in
personal health monitoring,
opening avenues for
innovation
Challenges &
Responsibility
While the digital age brings
progress, it also ushers in
challenges in ethics and
legalities. SMEs must tread
carefully, ensuring the
rights and privacies of
users are upheld
Trust & Compliance
The Path Forward
Security is paramount.
Protecting sensitive
health data from threats
and ensuring robust
mechanisms are in
place becomes a nonnegotiable
responsibility.
SMEs stand at the
crossroads of innovation
and duty. Ensuring trust
and balancing
technological advances
with responsibility is
essential for sustainable
growth.
THANK YOU & QUESTIONS