Digital Capabilities Research Articles

The effect of SMEs’ digital supply chain capabilities on supply chain financing performance: an information processing theory perspective

The effect of SMEs’ digital supply chain capabilities on supply chain financing performance: an information processing theory perspective

Conceptual model generation of the relationship between digital marketing capability and business performance: evidence from Turkey

Conceptual model generation of the relationship between digital marketing capability and business performance: evidence from Turkey

Empirical case study of a digitally enabled energy community with prosumers and P2P trading

BackgroundAn ’energy community’ can add socioeconomic components to microgrids and has recently been solidified as the regulatory concept of a ’Citizen Energy Community’ by the European Union. Such energy communities can further be supplemented with digital capabilities. This paper provides insights from a 13-month case study on a digitally enabled energy community with prosumers with limited ability to provide manual demand response, who were enabled to engage in peer-to-peer trading of local energy generation.ResultsLong-term willingness to pay for local sustainable electricity in the market environment was lower than expected. Overall willingness and ability to provide manual demand response might be low. Participants’ use of the provided digital tools were at least partly driven by their desire to control energy costs.ConclusionsRepeat interaction with the energy community’s market and its inherent complexities might limit the ability of energy communities to provide technical and economic benefits. This diminishes the appeal of corresponding business models. One direction to make energy communities more attractive to regulators and utilities is the conceptualization, design, and empirical evaluation of systems that lead to low perceived complexity for participants while enabling high levels of external automated control.

Opportunity Recognition in Digital Entrepreneurship Through Digital Capabilities: A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Entrepreneurship to Achieve SDG

Opportunity Recognition in Digital Entrepreneurship Through Digital Capabilities: A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Entrepreneurship to Achieve SDG

Pengaruh Kemampuan Digital, Orientasi Digital dan Transformasi Digital terhadap Kinerja UMKM di Kota Padang

This study aims to analyze the influence of digital capabilities, digital orientation, and digital transformation on the performance of UMKM in Padang City. The results showed that digital capabilities and digital transformation have a significant influence on UMKM performance, while digital orientation did not show a significant effect. Digital capabilities help UMKM optimize business operations and expand market reach, while digital transformation encourages innovation and strengthens competitiveness. In contrast, digital orientation requires more concrete implementation to have a real impact. This study has several limitations, such as limited area coverage in Padang City and a quantitative approach that does not explore the qualitative aspects. The variables studied are also limited to digital capability, digital orientation and digital transformation without considering other external factors. The practical implications of this study include the need for local governments and stakeholders to provide technology training, access to digital infrastructure, and funding to support the digital transformation of UMKM. Academically, the findings can serve as a basis for further studies that highlight other factors that influence UMKM performance, including qualitative approaches to understand the dynamics of digital technology implementation.

Hotel digital intelligence capability: dimension exploration and scale development

Purpose This study aims to explore the dimensional structure of hotel digital intelligence capability and develop a measurement scale. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts qualitative and quantitative approaches to conduct an exploratory inquiry into the structural dimensions of hotel digital intelligence capability with the help of grounded theory. Based on this, several questionnaires were developed to test the measurement scale and verify its validity. Findings The results reveal that hotel digital intelligence capability comprises four dimensions: data collection and processing capability, customer service personalization capability, digital intelligence decision support capability and sustainable development capability. The measurement scale consists of four factors and 13 items, with reliability and validity tests demonstrating ideal levels. Originality/value This study not only provides a new perspective to understand hotel digital intelligence capability but also develops a corresponding measurement scale, laying a solid theoretical basis for hotel managers to scientifically evaluate this capability to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Relational Resources, Digital Capability, and Value Proposition Innovation: Impact on Entrepreneurial Performance in Chinese Snack Enterprises

Relational Resources, Digital Capability, and Value Proposition Innovation: Impact on Entrepreneurial Performance in Chinese Snack Enterprises

The Influence of Upskilling, Communication Capability and Digital Capability on Employee Performance with Innovation as an Intervening Variable at PT PLN (Persero) Pusmanpro

PT PLN (Persero) Project Management Center or called (PLN Pusmanpro) in carrying out its activities managing electricity project management, both power plant projects, transmission, substations and rehabilitation projects, opens opportunities for its employees to innovate in the fields of technology and information systems. The problems that arise in the implementation of the use of the Assignment Monitoring and Reporting System (SIMPP) are that the implementation of this application has been running since 2015 and is still using the old version, then there is no indicator that the use of SIMPP can provide work enthusiasm for employees, because the development of the use of information technology is rapidly changing and increasingly sophisticated, and the level of employee communication and innovation is still relatively poor because there are still limitations to the features in this SIMPP application. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of upskilling, communication and digital capability on employee performance with innovation as an intervening variable. This study uses a quantitative method with primary data sources obtained from distributing questionnaires. The population of this study were all employees at PLN Pusmanpro. The selection of respondents was carried out using the saturated non-probability sampling method with a total of 126 respondents. The data analysis method uses descriptive analysis and SEM-PLS analysis. The results of the study indicate that the variables of upskilling, communication and digital capability have a positive and significant effect on employee performance through employee innovation at PT PLN Pusmanpro.

Research on policy guidance and risk prevention and control in the digital transformation of sports industry

Background: Digital transformation in the sports industry has become increasingly crucial for sustainable development, yet comprehensive empirical evidence on policy effectiveness and risk management remains limited. Purpose: This study investigates the impact of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation in sports companies, examining heterogeneous effects across different firm characteristics and regional contexts. Methods: Using panel data from 168 sports companies listed on China’s A-shares markets and the New Third Board from 2019 to 2023, this study employs multiple regression analyses, including baseline models, instrumental variables estimation, and robustness tests. The digital transformation level is measured through a composite index incorporating digital infrastructure, capability, and innovation dimensions. Results: The findings reveal that policy support significantly enhances digital transformation levels (coefficient = 0.238, p < 0.01), while financial risks demonstrate the strongest negative impact (−0.162, p < 0.01). Large firms and state-owned enterprises show stronger responses to policy support (0.312 and 0.278, respectively, p < 0.01). Regional development levels significantly moderate the effectiveness of policy implementation. Conclusions: The study provides empirical evidence for the differential effects of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation across various firm characteristics. The findings suggest the need for differentiated policy approaches considering firm size, ownership structure, and regional development levels. Implications: Policy makers should develop targeted support mechanisms addressing specific challenges faced by different types of firms, while considering regional disparities in digital transformation capabilities.

The influence of digital capabilities on the export performance of SMEs: evidence from China

ABSTRACT There is a lack of relevant research on the relationship between digital capability and export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. This study, based on the theory of transaction costs (TCT), takes the perspective of digital governance and control and uses structural equation modelling (SEM) to conduct empirical analysis using survey data from 332 Chinese SME exporters on Alibaba.com. The study focuses on how digital capability can improve export performance by reducing perceived uncertainty and transaction costs and expanding export markets. The empirical results show that digital capability has a significant positive impact on reducing perceived uncertainty and transaction costs, thereby driving export market expansion and ultimately improving export performance. The mediating effect analysis shows that transaction costs (transaction costs and perceived uncertainty) plays a significant simple (chain) mediating role between digital capability and export market expansion, while perceived uncertainty does not play a simple mediating role in this process. In addition, export market expansion shows a significant mediating effect between digital capability and export performance of SMEs.

How Can China’s Autonomous Vehicle Companies Use Digital Empowerment to Improve Innovation Quality?—The Role of Digital Platform Capabilities and Boundary-Spanning Search

The acquisition, integration, and exchange of digital technologies considerably contribute to the improvement of corporate innovation quality, as autonomous vehicles are a complex amalgamation of multiple industrial chains. In order to address the intense global competition in the autonomous vehicles industry and help China’s enterprises establish a prominent position in technological innovation, this study innovatively integrates the concepts of digital empowerment, digital platform capabilities, and boundary-spanning search into a cohesive framework, examines the pathways of influence, and methodically builds a multiple-chain mediation model. It employs various quantitative models, such as reliability and validity testing, confirmatory factor analysis, common method bias testing, mediation effect analysis, and robustness testing. The study focuses on over a hundred companies related to autonomous vehicles in China, employing software such as SPSS26.0, AMOS26.0, PROCESS4.0, and MPLUS8.3 to conduct this analysis. The findings indicate that digital empowerment is a critical factor in the improvement of innovation quality within autonomous vehicle companies. The relationship between digital empowerment and innovation quality is partially mediated by digital platform capabilities, and the boundary-spanning search also functions as a partial intermediary. Additionally, the quality of innovation and digital empowerment are mediated by the boundary-spanning search and the capabilities of digital platforms. The results of this study provide valuable insights on how to accurately empower the high-quality development of the autonomous vehicle sector with digital technologies, revealing new perspectives on the innovation quality enhancement pathways for autonomous vehicle companies in China, offering pivotal insights amidst the escalating competition within the global autonomous vehicle sector.

Detection of an invasive plant (Cissus verticillata) in the largest mangrove system on the eastern Pacific coast—a remote sensing approach

The identification and monitoring of invasive plant species utilizing spaceborne sensors have posed substantial challenges over the past few decades, mainly due to a scarcity of state-of-the-art sensors, limited digital processing capabilities, and the presence of a phenological spectral feature that is not readily detectable by conventional methods. The invasive plant Cissus verticillata, first detected in 2017, has affected the largest mangrove system on the eastern Pacific coast—Marismas Nacionales—spreading rapidly and aggressively through the mangrove canopy, and causing degradation and even mortality, mainly of Rhizophora mangle, by obstructing the sunlight over the canopy. The purpose of this study was to isolate the multispectral signal from Cissus verticillata by using a cloud computing approach with Google Earth Engine and generate a comprehensive map of the entire mangrove system by means of a novel dense time series of Sentinel-2 data. Results indicate that the optimal period for detecting Cissus verticillata is between October and December. Furthermore, this species is expanding its range along the riverbanks in the central region of Marismas Nacionales, with its coverage increasing from 426.16 ha in 2019 to 838.08 ha in 2021. These areas were verified with a field endeavor and have signified a substantial development, given that the plant had not been previously identified in this region with conventional field methods due to logistical constraints. The findings and approach of this study will contribute to the decision-making required to manage this invasive plant.

Bootstrapping the digital divide: a situational analysis of digital demands and collective capabilities in low-income households

ABSTRACT This paper examines intersections between social disadvantage and digital inequality in low-income household settings using situational analysis. Partnering with social service organisations, we conducted qualitative fieldwork research over 12 months with low-income households in disadvantaged suburbs in Tasmania, Australia. The research involved home visits, phone interviews, technology tours, and learning biographies with members of households. Findings emphasise the way outcomes of digital connectivity and internet use are not only individual – they are also shared and collective, and this has been a blind spot for digital inequality research framed by methodological individualism. We emphasise the need to shift attention from individual digital skills to collective digital capabilities, emphasising sociotechnical functions embedded in networks of shared resources and practices. Situational analysis revealed digital capabilities as collective investments and workarounds, as participants responded to expanding digital and life management demands. The study contributes to understanding the interaction between digital and social inclusion in low-income household contexts. It highlights the way collective capabilities and ‘digital bootstrapping’ operate in resource-scare environments, providing potential points of intervention beyond individualised notions of digital self-reliance.

Effects of digital technology capability on enterprise innovation performance: Mediating effects of network responsiveness and moderating effects of environmental dynamism

Effects of digital technology capability on enterprise innovation performance: Mediating effects of network responsiveness and moderating effects of environmental dynamism

Enabling Digital Capabilities with Technologies: A Multiple Case Study of Manufacturing Supply Chains in Disruptive Times

In the rapidly changing digital economy, manufacturing companies are under growing pressure to adopt new approaches to business management by developing digital capabilities. This research explores the role of digital technologies in enabling these capabilities, using the Digital Capability Model (DCM) as a guiding framework. While previous research often focused on theoretical perspectives, this study operationalizes the DCM by identifying specific applications of digital technologies that enhance business processes. Through a multiple case study methodology, eight manufacturing companies were examined to assess how digital technologies foster the development of digital capabilities. The case studies provide practical insights into the application of these technologies and their impact on organizational resilience and competitiveness, particularly in response to global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings reveal that certain technologies are more promising than others for enhancing digital capabilities and that their strategic implementation significantly improves a company’s ability to navigate uncertainty. Embracing digital transformation not only mitigates operational risks but also ensures sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly volatile and complex environment. This research bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering actionable insights for managers to strategically develop and leverage digital capabilities for long-term success.

Cross-level interaction mechanism for high growth among digital start–ups: an fsQCA analysis

Purpose In the field of digital entrepreneurship, achieving high growth in digital start-ups is crucial. This paper aims to explore how causal conditions at the individual, organizational and environmental levels interact in the growth process of digital start-ups. Furthermore, it uses a configurational approach to conduct a holistic analysis of the cross-level interaction mechanisms that enable digital start-ups to achieve high growth. Design/methodology/approach Based on a holistic perspective, the data collection included 57 representative cases of digital start-ups in China in the past decade (2014–2023). A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis was conducted to explore the cross-level interaction mechanism of the three-dimensional causal conditions of the environment, organization and individual entrepreneurs on high growth among digital start-ups. Findings This study found three models for digital start-ups to achieve high growth. These models − the resource network orchestration model, the innovation resource development model and the entrepreneurial spirit coherence model, respectively, reflect the multiple paths of high growth achieved by various digital start-ups based on their entrepreneurial environment, organizational capability and the personality of the founder. This reflects that digital start-ups face different conditions and entrepreneurial situations, with differing cross-level interaction mechanisms for achieving high growth. Practical implications First, digital start-ups should focus on strengthening their digital resource integration capabilities to lay the foundation for their subsequent high-growth path selection. Second, entrepreneurs need to adopt a holistic perspective to change or strengthen the causal conditions required to achieve high growth. Third, emphasis should be placed on the coherence between the entrepreneur’s need for achievement and the internal entrepreneurial culture. Originality/value First, this study contributes to the literature on high growth among digital start-ups by introducing a cross-level interaction mechanism comprising environmental, organizational and entrepreneurial causal conditions. Second, it reveals that individual factors at the environmental, organizational and entrepreneurial levels are not necessary conditions for high entrepreneurial growth and that digital resource integration capabilities play a more universal role in achieving high digital start-up growth. Finally, the study provides a cross-level holistic explanation of how digital start-ups can achieve high growth and reveals various configuration models conducive to high growth, thus offering practical insights for businesses.

The impact mechanism of digital transformation on the supply chain capabilities of the fresh-cut flower industry in Yunnan province of China

Given the rapid global economic development and continuous technical advancements, a key strategy for companies trying to improve their competitive edge and accomplish sustainable development is digital transformation. This study's goal was to investigate how the supply chain capabilities of Yunnan Province's fresh-cut flower business are affected by digital transformation. To collect data, the study employed a survey methodology based on a questionnaire. Ultimately, 402 flower businesses in Yunnan Province produced valid du-plicates. PLS-SEM was utilized in the study to evaluate the data, and the results showed that digital transformation greatly improved the enterprises' capacity for both innovation and supply chain management; innovation capabilities positively impacted supply chain capabilities and acted as a mediator in the relationship between supply chain capabilities and digital transformation. Furthermore, organizational readiness largely exhibits a positive moderating effect on the relationship between digital transformation and supply chain capabilities, whereas technology readiness not only fosters but also reinforces the relationship between digital transformation and innovation capabilities. These results offer an effective reference suggestion for fresh-cut flower companies in Yunnan Province and nationwide on how to enhance supply chain capabilities through digital transformation to improve their competitive advantages.

The impact and mechanism of E-commerce of agricultural products on nongrain production of cultivated land in rural China.

Improving China's grain production level is conducive to achieving the sustainable development goal of zero hunger worldwide by 2030. As an important innovation in sales channels, e-commerce of agricultural products (EAP) directly affects grain production. However, no study has directly discussed the impact and mechanism of EAP on nongrain production of cultivated land (NGPL). Using data from large-scale household survey in rural China and econometric methods, this study analyzed the mechanism and effect of EAP on NGPL. The results show that EAP had a positive effect on NGPL. This conclusion is still valid after a series of robustness tests. EAP can improve farmers' timely access to agricultural product transaction information and promote the adjustment of farmland size. It leads to an increase in the planting of cash crops and an intensification of NGPL under the pursuit of maximizing profits. EAP mainly had a direct impact on large-scale farmers, those who have received e-commerce training, and farmers whose main source of income is agricultural income. China can fully leverage the advantages of rural e-commerce development to create agricultural brands and promote the upgrading of grain industry, improve the economic benefits of growing grain. It is also necessary to strengthen e-commerce training for farmers, improve their digital technology application capabilities and promote the high-quality agricultural products from villages to cities.

Digital talent and job satisfaction in the administrative staff of a public university with WarpPLS 8.0

Job satisfaction and digital talent are topics of growing interest in the context of digital transformation. Digitalization is changing the way organizations operate and how employees perceive their work. The state and its administrative staff is no exception, as these capabilities are essential to perform operational tasks that underpin the public institution's documentary processes. This study investigates the influence of digital talent (independent variable) on job satisfaction (dependent variable), employing structural equation modeling (SEM) using WarpPLS software. Digital Talent is broken down into three sub-variables: Digital Competencies of Employees (DCE), Capacity for Digital Innovation and Creativity (CIDC) and Adaptability and Continuous Learning (ACL), while Job Satisfaction is measured through two sub-variables: Work Environment (WE) and Professional Development Opportunities (PDO). The analyses revealed that Capacity for Innovation and Digital Creativity (CIDC) has a significant impact on Work Environment, with a path coefficient (β) of 0.13 (p = 0.01). Similarly, adaptability and continuous learning (ACL) positively influence the work environment, with a path coefficient (β) of 0.10 (p = 0.04). In addition, a strong relationship was found between professional development opportunities (PDO) and work environment, with a path coefficient (β) of 0.68 (p < 0.001). For the relationship between digital competencies (DCE) and career development opportunities, the path coefficient was 0.10 (p = 0.04). Digital talent is a key predictor of job satisfaction in administrative staff. The results suggest that investing in the development of digital capabilities, especially innovation and creativity, as well as adaptability, is essential to improve the work environment and career development opportunities.

GENDERED PATHWAY TO LIFE SATISFACTION VIA HELPING SPOUSES WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY USE

Abstract Digital capabilities are closely related to the quality of life, and due to rapid digitalization, the exchange of help regarding digital technology use frequently occurs within close relationships in later life. As digital technology penetrates deeply into daily life, exploring the role of exchange of help regarding digital technology use within couple relationships could help specify daily interaction strategies improving the quality of life of individuals. This study explored how the husband and wife’s digital capabilities affect life satisfaction via helping their spouses with digital technology use within dyadic associations. For this, we used the Digital Aging in Dyads (DAID) data collected through an online survey in May 2023, targeting 257 older Korean straight couples aged 45 to 74. According to the modified Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model analysis with bootstrapping, two mediating paths were found to be significant; the higher the digital capabilities of husbands, the more help with digital technology use provided by husbands to wives, which increases the life satisfaction of both husbands and wives. However, for wives, only the direct association between helping their husbands with digital technology use and wives’ life satisfaction was significant. These findings indicate gender asymmetric associations as the husband’s digital capabilities serve as greater power within later-life couple relationships whereas the wife’s digital capabilities nor helping their husbands with digital technology use do not play significant roles. This study is meaningful in presenting a new model for improving life satisfaction in the context of couple relationships in the digital era.