Digital Transformation Research Articles

Digital transformation, environmental regulation and enterprises' ESG performance: Evidence from China

AbstractCompany's digital transformation and Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance are crucial for their development, but there is little literature that considers whether and how digital transformation improve ESG performance, the impact of environmental regulations is also easily overlooked, we attempt to fill this gap. Based on data related to Chinese listed enterprises from 2011 to 2020, we focus on the internal digital transformation of enterprises, analyze and empirically test the direct and mediating influence of digital transformation on enterprises' ESG performance, as well as the moderating effect of external environmental regulations. The results show that digital transformation improves ESG performance. Heterogeneity analysis found that digital transformation had different impacts on different dimensions of enterprise ESG performance. Further analysis indicates that enterprises' green innovation and labor demand play a mediating role in the relationship between enterprises' digital transformation and ESG performance. Regional formal environmental regulation and informal environmental regulation moderates the path of firms' digital transformation promoting green innovation level to enhance ESG performance. This paper provides micro evidence in China for exploring the improvement of enterprises' ESG performance and provides relevant ideas for understanding the effect of digital transformation.

Factors that affecting firm performance mediated by digital transformation in Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises plantation and forestry industries

Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing the way it operates and adding value to a firm's performance. This can involve adopting new technologies, reorganizing business processes, and creating a digital culture within the organization. One of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) in Indonesia, PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero) with a focus on agriculture and main commodities, namely Palm Oil and Rubber, is carrying out a digital transformation initiative with the aim of improving firm performance. Along the way, the company faced many obstacles related to implementing digital transformation and the large investment costs incurred. This research aims to test the influence of Digital Transformation Leadership, IT Capability, Digital Mindset, Work Culture Change, Organizational Agility, Human Capital and IT Alignment with Business and test the influence of these variables on Firm Performance with Digital Transformation as a mediating variable. This research uses quantitative research methods by distributing online questionnaires via Google Form to 234 company employees who use Digital Farming, GIS and SCADA applications. Data was analyzed using the SEM-PLS analysis method with Smart-PLS Software version 3.3.9. The results of the research show that IT Capability, Work Culture Change, IT Alignment With Business have a positive effect on Digital Transformation. Apart from that, this research also shows the positive influence of Digital Transformation Leadership on Digital Transformation which is mediated by IT Capability and Digital Mindset on Digital Transformation which is mediated by Work Culture Change. Then, research also shows that Digital Transformation has a significant effect on Firm Performance. the research outcomes can serve as valuable insights for what factors influence firm performance mediated by digital transformation in the SOE plantation and forestry industry business cluster in Indonesia.

How does digital transformation affect corporate governance paradigms? A synthesis of the literature

At present, digital transformation has become a vital way for companies to achieve sustainable growth. This paper reviews the literature on the correlation between digital transformation and corporate governance paradigm, analyzes the specific impact mechanism of AI technology and big data technology in the field of corporate governance, and explores the influence effect of the most popular ChatGPT technology on corporate governance from the perspective of business practice. It is found that digital transformation has an important impact on stakeholder management, information disclosure, green governance and other aspects of corporate governance. The purpose of the study is to provide a new reference for the construction of corporate governance paradigm and help companies achieve long-term development in the digital wave.

Enhancing Public Service Delivery through Digital Transformation: A Study on the Role of E-Government in Modern Public Administration

Digital transformation has become a crucial element in improving the quality of public service delivery, particularly through the implementation of e-government. This study aims to analyze the role of e-government in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of modern public administration. Using a qualitative research method through literature analysis and in-depth interviews with government employees across several public service agencies in Indonesia, this study explores the benefits and challenges faced in the implementation of e-government. The findings indicate that e-government significantly contributes to expediting public service processes, increasing transparency, and minimizing potential corruption and abuse of power. Furthermore, e-government enables more effective interagency collaboration through integrated information systems, positively impacting operational efficiency. However, the study also identifies obstacles to the adoption of e-government, such as limited digital infrastructure, resistance from government officials, and the digital divide in society, which can reduce its effectiveness. This study concludes that e-government can serve as a strategic instrument for public administration reform if supported by infrastructure improvements, human resource training, and increased public digital literacy. Consequently, e-government not only enhances the quality of public services but also strengthens accountability and public trust in the government. The study’s recommendations include strategies to improve information technology capacity, formulate policies that support digital transformation, and raise awareness and public participation in utilizing digital government services.

Effects of green entrepreneurship and digital transformation on eco-efficient e-commerce

Effects of green entrepreneurship and digital transformation on eco-efficient e-commerce

An overview of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Power Grids

Power grids are networks of lines and equipment used for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. Power grids are undergoing a process of digital transformation based on emerging information and communication technologies, with the aim of optimising the operation of power systems, increasing efficiency, reliability, sustainability, security, and quality of service, while reducing CO2 emissions. In this process of digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a strategic element within power grids. This paper provides an overview of AI applications in power grids and how they can improve the efficiency, reliability, and availability of their processes. It analyses the main challenges and prospects for the future application of AI in power grids. AI applications help process large volumes of data and generate insights, with a focus on two primary functions: supporting operations and aiding strategic decision-making. These factors highlight the significant potential for AI application in power grids and solidify AI as a strategic key to the development of smart grids.

Perceptions of AI Integration in the UAE’s Creative Sector

This study explores the perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) within the creative sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) based on 13 semi-structured interviews and a survey with 224 participants among media professionals and their stakeholders. The findings indicate considerable enthusiasm surrounding AI’s potential to augment creativity and drive operational efficiency, a perspective that the study’s participants share. However, there are also apprehensions regarding job displacement and the necessity for strategic upskilling. Participants generally regard AI as an unavoidable technological influence that demands adaptation and seamless integration into daily workflows. The study underscores the disparity between the UAE’s government-led digital transformation objectives and the actual implementation within organizations, underscoring the urgent need for cohesive strategic alignment. The findings caution that the absence of clear directives and strategic planning may precipitate a new digital schism, impeding progress in the sector.

Determinants of Generative AI System Adoption and Usage Behavior in Korean Companies: Applying the UTAUT Model

This study addresses the academic gap in the adoption of generative AI systems by investigating the factors influencing technology acceptance and usage behavior in Korean firms. Although recent advancements in AI are accelerating digital transformation and innovation, empirical research on the adoption of these systems remains scarce. To fill this gap, this study applies the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, surveying 300 employees from both large and small enterprises in South Korea. The findings reveal that effort expectancy and social influence significantly influence employees’ behavioral intention to use generative AI systems. Specifically, effort expectancy plays a critical role in the early stages of adoption, while social influence, including support from supervisors and peers, strongly drives the adoption process. In contrast, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions show no significant impact. The study also highlights the differential effects of age and work experience on behavioral intention and usage behavior. For older employees, social support is a key factor in technology acceptance, whereas employees with more experience exhibit a more positive attitude toward adopting new technologies. Conversely, facilitating conditions are more critical for younger employees. This study contributes to the understanding of the interaction between various factors in AI technology adoption and offers strategic insights for the successful implementation of AI systems in Korean companies.

Application and Prospect of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Low-Carbon Cities—From the Perspective of Urban Planning Content and Process

In the era of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) technology—one of the swiftest growing emerging technologies—when integrated with urban planning, can introduce innovative approaches for low-carbon city development and foster the attainment of dual carbon objectives: carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions. Current research predominantly investigates the influence and alterations of emerging technologies on urban elements, yet it overlooks a comprehensive examination of the applicable procedures of these technologies and their potential synergy with urban planning. Consequently, this study employs a systematic literature review to delve into the application of AI in sectors such as architecture, transportation, land use, and green space development. It categorizes the specific impact processes into monitoring, identification, simulation, and prediction. By offering an exhaustive analysis of urban planning’s content and methodology, this paper elucidates the role of AI technology in the creation of low-carbon cities. The study found that: (1) Due to the varying degrees of application and integration with professional technologies in different fields, the current research focuses more on architecture, land use, and transportation. (2) Combining the four steps of urban planning, artificial intelligence can be divided into monitoring, recognition, simulation, and prediction types, each with its own characteristics. (3) Overall, AI technology is mainly applied in the identification and simulation of architecture, transportation, and land use. (4) There is still room for improvement in the application of AI technology in waste emissions and other algorithms.

The Impact of 5G and Data Science on Digital Marketing: An Analytical Review and Research Agenda

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of 5G technology across various sectors, focusing on its applications in smart cities, digital marketing, and industrial use cases, with the goal of understanding how 5G enhances connectivity, efficiency, and user experience. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on theories of digital transformation and emerging technologies, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence and advanced connectivity in the evolution of urban, commercial, and industrial systems. Method: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, analyzing studies published from 1996 to 2023. The research utilized social network analysis, content analysis, and business case analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of 5G. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that 5G technology significantly improves connectivity, operational efficiency, and user experience, facilitating real-time communication and advanced resource management. The discussion contextualizes these findings within the theoretical framework, highlighting the benefits and challenges of 5G. Implications of the Research: The study emphasizes implications for digital infrastructure and services, suggesting the need for strategic investments and policies to fully leverage the potential of 5G. Originality/Value: This study provides an integrated and novel view of 5G, distinguishing itself from previous research by offering a holistic perspective on advanced applications.

The Impact of Enterprise Digital Capability on Supply Chain Digitalization—From the Perspective of Supply Chain Cooperation

This paper explores in depth the mechanism of enterprise digital capability effects in supply chain digital development by reconstructing the supply chain cooperation capabilities (digital diffusion capability and digital collaborative capability). We use the questionnaire data covering 272 Chinese manufacturing enterprises and apply a structural equation model to test the hypothesis. The empirical result demonstrates that enterprise digital capability does not directly have a significant impact on supply chain digitalization, and the supply chain cooperation capabilities play a mediating role between an enterprise’s digital capability and supply chain digitalization. The results are robust as we thoroughly consider the direction of enterprise capabilities and verify the systematic requirements of supply chain digitalization and the high order of enterprise digital capability. These provide a theoretical basis for enterprises to promote the digital transformation of their supply chain through digital technology.

Cybersecurity and International Relations: developing thinking tools for digital world politics

Abstract Processes of digital transformation alter global politics. This is an issue not only for specialists in cybersecurity, but for all scholars of international relations. This introduction to a special section outlines an agenda for cybersecurity research in international relations research and practice. We argue that cybersecurity is not only a specialized subfield of International Relations (IR), but also an intellectual space in which crucial questions concerning international politics, security and digital technology can be examined. Nevertheless, we identify three biases in current cybersecurity research—a focus toward the state, the military and power as domination—that limit the field and hamper broader engagement with IR and critical security scholarship. We argue that cybersecurity and digital technology are neither optional additions to the theory and practice of international relations nor issues that can neatly be isolated from other world affairs. The goal of the special section is hence twofold. First, to provide new directions and foundations for cybersecurity studies. Second, to explore the opportunities and challenges raised by cybersecurity and digital technological phenomena in conversation with IR and critical security studies. Taken together, the special section demonstrates the need to understand cybersecurity through international relations and to understand international relations through cybersecurity.

Strategy for Improving Business Performance in Micro and Small Enterprises through Innovation and Digitalization

This study aims to examine strategies for enhancing business performance in micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through the integration of innovation and digitalization. In an era where digital transformation has become critical for competitiveness, MSEs face unique challenges due to limited resources, constrained access to technology, and often limited technical expertise. Using a qualitative approach through library research and literature review, this study synthesizes current research on the role of innovation and digital adoption in boosting productivity, expanding market reach, and improving operational efficiencies in MSEs. Findings reveal that innovation and digitalization not only facilitate access to broader customer bases but also enable cost-effective marketing and streamlined operations. Additionally, the analysis indicates that overcoming barriers such as technology adoption costs and skill gaps is essential for successful digital transformation in MSEs. Supportive policies, digital literacy training, and partnerships with technology providers emerge as critical components to foster a conducive environment for these enterprises. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse by identifying key success factors for MSEs embarking on digital and innovative transformations. Furthermore, it provides recommendations for policy makers, business owners, and stakeholders to enhance MSE resilience and competitiveness in a digitalized economy. This research underscores the importance of aligning digital strategies with business goals to ensure sustainable growth and adaptation in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

Digital inclusive finance and digital transformation of Chinese enterprises: Perspectives on company technology intensity and financialization

AbstractThis study explores the role of digital inclusive finance in company digital transformation within China, particularly examining the variances among companies with differing levels of technological intensity and financialization. Using A‐share Chinese data from 2011 to 2022, we find that regions with superior digital inclusive finance exhibit enhanced corporate digital transformation, regardless of the provincial or municipal level. Subindexes, including the coverage breadth, use depth, and degree of digital inclusive finance, confirm that they are all significantly positively related to digital transformation. These effects are more pronounced in companies with lower technological intensity, and corporate financialization serves as a mediating factor.

CVC Involvement, Digital Transformation, and Risk-Taking of Investee Companies: Evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the impact of corporate venture capital (CVC) involvement on digital transformation and the risk-taking behavior of investee companies. Based on data on manufacturing companies listed on the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) board and the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2022, we find that CVC involvement helps boost the risk-taking level of investee companies. This is because CVC promotes corporate digital transformation, which in turn enhances corporate risk-taking. Finally, we show that the promoting effect of CVC on corporate risk-taking is more pronounced for investee companies with a small size and investee companies with a high degree of operating leverage. Our findings provide novel evidence for the effect of CVC on corporate risk-taking in the digital age.

The Nexus Between Digital Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship Education, and Entrepreneurial Intention and Entrepreneurial Motivation: A Systematic Literature Review

Entrepreneurship Education (EE) is renowned for developing students’ managerial aptitudes, skills, and ideas for self-reliance. The inclusion of digital technology and innovation in EE is necessary to enhance Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) and Entrepreneurial Motivation (EM) for technological revolution and economic development. The aim of the systematic literature review is to (i) identify the current study on digital technologies, innovation, EE, EI, and EM, (ii) highlight how digital technology and innovation shape EE to achieve EI and motivation among students, and (iii) offer new advice on the future EE in a digital era. A search strategy was instituted to ascertain the required publications from Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ, IEEE, ProQuest, SAGE Journals, Taylor & Francis, and Wiley. The publications were between 2010 and 2024, with no language restrictions. Out of the 108 identified publications from the search, 69 publications representing 54 separate papers were used in the review. Digital transformation in EE requires significant studies to determine its role in economic development and job creation. This review identified several themes in the publications, such as innovation, motivation, skills development, digital technology, EE’s impact, and factors of EE. The sustainability and future expectations of EE through digital technology and innovation are highlighted in the review. The study identified several findings, such as factors depriving EE, such as experience, investment, teachers, infrastructure, technology, market size, government, competition, culture, and funds. Further findings are a strategic vision of EE through policies to embrace innovation and digital technology practices and to achieve EM and EI. Also, the selected papers for the review are current publications at 61.1%, the quantitative method at 42.3% and journal articles at 88.9%. It is prudent to review EE’s appropriateness in a digital and innovative environment and to identify the impact on EM and EI among students.

The Impact of National Big Data Pilot Zones on the Persistence of Green Innovation: A Moderating Perspective Based on Green Finance

Enhancing the persistence of corporate green innovation is crucial for promoting sustainable societal development. As big data technologies and related policies advance, digitalization emerges as an effective enabler of green innovation in enterprises. This study, grounded in resource-based theory and corporate ecology theory, examines the impact of national-level big data pilot zone reforms on the persistence of corporate green innovation, utilizing data from China’s A-share-listed companies from 2011 to 2021. It also explores the moderating effect of green finance development. Empirical results indicate that (1) the implementation of national-level big data pilot zones positively influences the persistence of green innovation, with robustness and endogeneity tests confirming these findings. (2) The development of regional green finance positively moderates this relationship. (3) A mediation analysis reveals that national-level big data policies enhance innovation persistence by alleviating financing constraints, promoting talent aggregation, and facilitating industrial upgrading. (4) The heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of these reforms is more pronounced in non-state-owned, non-heavy polluting firms, those receiving high subsidies, and in regions with stringent environmental regulations. This study offers a novel theoretical perspective on and empirical evidence for digital transformation from the angle of national policy, supporting societal green development and contributing to policy enhancement aimed at achieving sustainable growth.

Analisis Peran Kepemimpinan Digital dan Budaya Organisasi dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Karyawan: Tinjauan Literatur Sistematis

The digital era has brought significant changes in organizations, creating a need for effective digital leadership, and adaptation in organizational culture. This transformation not only affects technological aspects, but also impacts how organizations operate. This systematic literature review aims to explore the role of digital leadership and organizational culture that have implications for improvement employee performance in the digital era. Through the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, this study analyzes recent literature on digital leadership, organizational culture, and employee performance in the context of digital transformation. The SLR method is conducted through systematic searches in academic database, study selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction, and synthesis of findings. The results of the review show that digital leadership plays a crucial role in facilitating organizational adaptation to new technologies and driving innovation. Organizational culture that supports digitalization has been found to have a positive impact on employee performance. The interaction between digital leadership and organizational culture creates an environment conducive to increasing productivity, creativity, and employee engagement. Keywords: Transformation, leadership, innovation, and productivity.

Factors influencing the digital intelligence transformation of offshore wind power enterprise

China's offshore wind power industry is advancing toward a digital transformation, and its development is considered a crucial strategic pillar of China's energy structure transformation. Facing challenges such as high costs, technical difficulties, lack of industry standards, insufficient industrial economies of scale, and even ecological threats, China's offshore wind power industry in the new period urgently requires innovative paths for further development. Driven by policy guidance and market demand, many enterprises have embarked on digital upgrading by introducing digital technology into their business processes, thus achieving a more efficient and intelligent production management mode to enhance industry competitiveness. However, due to the inherent peculiarities of the offshore wind power industry, its implementation of digital technology faces certain technical difficulties and systemic risks. This study presents a case study of Mingyang Smart Energy and related organizations conducted using in-depth interviews, and focuses on the practical circumstances of China's offshore wind power industry undergoing digital transformation. This study also applies the grounded theory to analyze the driving factors and mechanisms of digital transformation and provides an in-depth discussion of the characteristics of different stages of the transformation, including digital technology function leap, management and platform construction, as well as digital operation and value creation. The study results can enrich the theoretical study of digital transformation and provide practical guidance for the offshore wind power industry to achieve intelligent, efficient, and sustainable development.

Reconstructing gearing ratios and digital-based service rates to mitigate financial risks for sustainable development in Indonesia’s credit guarantee industry

This research examines the role of the credit guarantee industry in supporting the growth of MSMEs in Indonesia through guarantee programs that aim to reduce information asymmetry between banks and MSMEs. Using structured interview methods and data triangulation techniques from various sources, this study analyzes the management of gearing ratio and tariff risks that significantly impact the financial stability of guarantee industry. The analysis results with NVIVO 12 and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) reveal digital transformation’s importance in efficiency and transparency in risk management. This research also produces a digitalization design for the Program Gearing Ratio (PGR) and offers practical solutions through SWOT analysis to improve the guarantee capacity and sustainability of the industry. The findings contribute to the literature by proposing an integrated internal audit approach for financial risk mitigation in the credit guarantee industry.