Overview of the Use of Data Assets in the Context of Portuguese Companies: Comparison Between Micro, SMEs and Large Companies

In the digital age, data has become a crucial asset for businesses, serving as a valuable resource for production and decision-making. Effective data management is essential for enhancing companies’ competitiveness and operational efficiency. While big data holds the potential to drive innovation, particularly for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), many companies struggle to leverage this digital capability effectively. This article examines the nuances of data management practices in Portugal, highlighting the differences between micro, small, medium, and large companies. To achieve this, data were collected from 390 Portuguese companies, and a Kruskal–Wallis Test was conducted to determine if significant differences exist in data utilization across company sizes. The results indicate substantial disparities in the use of data for developing new services and in the application of technologies for Data Storage Security, Security for Data Exchange with Partners, and Cloud Computing Security among micro, small, medium, and large companies. These findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies to improve data management practices and enhance the digital capabilities of companies of all sizes.