Shaping the digital potential of the large enterprise sector following the implementation of the European digital decade strategy

Abstract

Purpose: The article aims to identify changes in the intensity of large enterprises using modern technological solutions due to the regulations in force in the field of gaining digital sovereignty by implementing the European Digital Decade strategy. Design/methodology/approach: During the research process, data collected from Eurostat were compiled. They concerned the sector of large enterprises operating in the European Union in the years 2014-2022. The research procedure was carried out using the PCA and VIKOR methods, and the ICT dissemination index. Findings: The research results indicate that there are significant inequalities in the level of digitization and intensity of technology use among large enterprises. Entities located in Cyprus, Malta, Luxembourg, and Estonia have the greatest digital potential. In turn, the smallest technological resources were gathered by enterprises in France, Italy, Germany, Poland, and Spain. Based on the determined indicator of the dissemination of modern technologies, differences in the level of ICT implementation were found. Leaders in the implementation of modern technologies, i.e., Germany, France, and Estonia, were indicated. Research limitations/implications: Further research should focus on analyzing the use of technological resources for sustainable development, delays in the implementation of ICT technologies, the use of quantum technologies, and the levels of achieving digital sovereignty of entities. Practical implications: The research results provide business and state managers with information that can be used in the development and implementation of digital transformation strategies to increase digital potential and achieve digital sovereignty. Originality/value: The authors contribute to research on the digital transformation of large enterprises. They develop a technology diffusion index that provides information about the level of ICT use. Keywords: digital potential, ICT, Digital Compass, Europe's Digital Decade strategy. Category of the paper: Research paper.