Developing a digital transformation maturity model for port assessment in archipelago countries: The Indonesian case

Abstract

Digital transformation (DT) has become a crucial driver of efficiency and competitiveness in the maritime industry. To effectively guide further digital transformation in ports, evaluating maturity is crucial as an initial assessment step. This research aims to achieve two main objectives: firstly, to develop a comprehensive model for evaluating the digital transformation maturity of ports in archipelago countries, using Indonesia as a case study; secondly, to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s current maturity level and provide tailored suggestions for improvement. The choice to study archipelago countries comes from the absence of a maturity model that considers their unique geographical challenges and specifically the presence of a wide range of ports with varying sizes in hub-spoke networks. The research utilized mixed methodologies, including a multidisciplinary literature review, an empirical test on 45 Indonesian ports, and interviews to gather further insights. As a result, this research proposes the Digital Transformation Maturity model for Ports in Archipelago countries (DTMPA) which comprises five maturity levels based on the measurement of five dimensions. Additionally, the study reveals that Indonesian ports face challenges in their digital transformation, including the adoption and integration of technologies across their vast network of ports. Nevertheless, this model serves as a valuable tool for practitioners to assess their port’s digital maturity independently, facilitating informed decision-making, strategic actions, and improved competitiveness. Additionally, it contributes essential insights into the digital transformation landscape, guiding archipelago countries to navigate the complexities of digitalization within their maritime sector.