Towards a Digital Maturity Model for Rural SMEs: Adapting to Organizational and Contextual Realities in Costa Rica’s North Zone

Abstract

Digital transformation is a critical factor for the competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) drive development and enable new business models; however, in rural areas, this process faces specific challenges related to infrastructure, organizational culture, and access to technologies. This paper presents a Digital Maturity Model tailored for rural SMEs, grounded on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and adapted to reflect the degree of control, priority, and impact of each dimension. The model integrates a hierarchical weighting system that balances contextual limitations with the areas where SMEs have greater agency, providing realistic diagnoses and feasible digitalization pathways. Assessment items are structured across five maturity levels, each defined through description, observable elements, typical tools and processes, and advancement guidelines. In addition, the model incorporates an Empathy Map-based workshop approach to ensure contextual relevance and human-centered evaluation. The result is a practical yet theoretically grounded tool that supports rural SMEs in their digital transition and contributes to the academic discourse on digital maturity in underserved contexts.