Digital Strategy Research Articles

The influence of digital transformation and implementation barriers on innovation in Brazilian micro, small, and medium enterprises

This study aims to analyze the influence of digital transformation on innovation and the moderating role of barriers to digitalization in this relationship within Brazilian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The sample comprises 731 Brazilian MSMEs. The findings indicate that digital transformation, characterized by digitalization strategies and technology usage, has a positive and significant impact on innovation. Moreover, barriers to digitalization negatively and significantly affect the relationship between digital transformation and innovation, but this effect is observed only in medium-sized enterprises. This study contributes to strategic management practices by providing insights into the role of digital transformation in business innovation. Future research should investigate why barriers to digitalization do not consistently impact the relationship between digital transformation and innovation.

Insurtech strategies: a comparison of incumbent insurance firms with new entrants

AbstractInsurtech is closely associated with digital transformation by new entrants that seek to disrupt insurance markets. However, the insurtech concept also includes its use by incumbent insurance companies, which are actively deploying a wide variety of insurtech applications to protect their market positions through innovation of their existing business models, e.g. through improved business processes or new insurance services. A theoretical insurtech business innovation model is developed that captures the effects of digital technology in insurance markets by considering innovation as a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses business processes, novel insurance products and changes to the insurance value chain. This framework is applied to an empirical sample of digital leaders: three incumbents and four new entrants. The results illustrate a variety of insurtech applications that include the transformation of business processes, products and new types of value chain configuration, as well as relatively minor enhancements to existing systems and business practices. It is shown that all the new entrants exploit artificial intelligence, big data and digital technology to build brand-new insurance services that emphasise innovative product features, high customer value and a delightful customer experience. In contrast, the legacy insurance firms tend to use digital technology in a defensive manner, e.g. the enhancement of existing insurance services, distribution channels and market positions. The exception is the launch of a telematics insurance service by an incumbent firm, where the telematics insurance effectively operates as a standalone business within a legacy insurance firm. The theory model is effective at analysing and evaluating both the type and magnitude of innovation. The case studies make an empirical contribution by illustrating state-of-the-art innovation by insurance disruptors and contrasts this with the defensive and sometimes novel digital strategies of incumbent firms. Future trends and research opportunities are outlined.

Pengaruh Sosial Media Marketing, Brand Position, Brand Equity pada Digital Marketing: Studi Empiris pada Sektor UMKM Makanan di Kecamatan Pakem

This study aims to analyze the influence of social media marketing, brand position, and brand equity on the effectiveness of digital marketing in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) food sector in Pakem District. In the ever-evolving digital era, MSMEs face challenges in utilizing technology in their marketing strategies. This study uses a quantitative method with data collection through questionnaires distributed to MSME actors in the area. The results of the analysis show that social media marketing has a significant positive effect on brand awareness and product sales, while a strong brand position and high brand equity also contribute to increasing customer loyalty and perceptions of product quality. These findings emphasize the importance of utilizing social media as a tool not only for promotion but also to build closer relationships with consumers. Thus, this study provides insight for MSME actors to optimize their digital marketing strategies in order to increase competitiveness and business growth, as well as being a reference for the government in formulating policies that support the development of MSMEs in the digital era.

Charting the digital route to net-zero: A framework for sustainable industry practices

This study investigates the application of a comprehensive framework for implementing digital strategies towards achieving net-zero emissions in Spanish manufacturing firms. It explores the adoption of digitally enabled and digital-first strategies in 354 medium-sized companies, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to augment and reinvent environmental management practices. Digitally enabled strategies are found to be prevalent, optimizing existing processes through IoT for resource conservation and predictive maintenance. A modest yet growing number of firms adopt digital-first strategies, integrating AI to create innovative pathways for energy use optimization and waste reduction. However, a subset of firms remains reliant on traditional methods, indicating significant potential for digital integration. The paper highlights the strategic importance of digital tools in enhancing operational efficiencies and developing new, inherently sustainable business models. It emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that combines the strengths of digital innovation with traditional management to drive the industry towards a sustainable and net-zero future. The framework provides a nuanced classification of digital strategies and their contribution to net-zero objectives, offering insights into the effectiveness of these practices across various industrial sectors

A distributed double-layer control algorithm for medium voltage regulation and state of charge consensus of autonomous battery energy storage systems in distribution networks

The increasing integration of Distributed Generation (DG) based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in traditional distribution systems necessitates the adoption of smart grid strategies. These strategies rely heavily on energy storage actuation to manage the inherent variability of RES and ensure autonomous operation. This article presents a hierarchical digital control strategy for managing distribution power systems, utilizing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to regulate voltage amplitude and enhance overall behavior for efficient energy management. At the primary control level, operating at a minute-scale actuation rate, an integral voltage regulation loop determines the BESS power injection or consumption, refined by a fuzzy conditioning of signals that accounts for the state of charge and operational modes of each device. Laplacian and random switching secondary consensus control strategies, operating at a slower rate, ensure coordinated action among individual units. The convergence of these strategies is analytically validated using Lyapunov’s theory under idealized conditions. Extensive dynamic simulations over a 24-hour period demonstrate the proposed strategy’s effectiveness in improving power quality and coordinating voltage regulation, particularly in terms of enhancing the power factor and reducing the standard deviation of voltage and power variables over time in a coordinated manner.

Building a culture of content creation: How to maximise your audience engagement

This paper will share how Development and Alumni colleagues at the University of Glasgow built a digital content strategy with the aim of embedding a culture of content creation within Development and Alumni and across the wider university community. The paper will provide easily transferrable insights into how content categorisation decisions can be made and how these decisions can be used to shape an effective and accessible content planner and strategy. The paper will focus on sharing practical tips to build confidence in colleagues and encourage collaboration in all stages of content creation, sharing a case study highlighting the benefits of this approach.

Leveraging digital marketing for health behavior change: A model for engaging patients through pharmacies

Leveraging digital marketing for health behavior change can significantly enhance patient engagement, especially when deployed through pharmacies. Pharmacies play a pivotal role in public health by serving as accessible points of care where patients can receive critical health information and support for managing various conditions. This paper examines the intersection of behavioral theories, such as the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory, with digital marketing strategies tailored for health engagement. It discusses how pharmacies can effectively use targeted content, social media outreach, and personalized messaging to influence health behaviors. Through a pharmacy-centered approach, digital initiatives like mobile applications, loyalty programs, and telehealth promotions offer new avenues for reaching patients and encouraging proactive health decisions. However, challenges such as data privacy concerns, the risk of misinformation, and regulatory compliance pose barriers to successful implementation. To address these issues, this paper presents recommendations that include secure data practices, evidence-based content, and inclusive digital solutions. Ultimately, by combining theoretical insights with practical digital marketing strategies, pharmacies can foster healthier behaviors, improve patient outcomes, and support broader public health goals.

Aligning Employability Skills and Career Opportunities Among Employees in the Electronics Industry: A Proposed Upskilling of the Digital Talent Development Strategy in Guangdong Province, China

The research paper investigated the skills gap in the electronics industry, emphasizing the necessity for employees to continuously update their competencies due to rapid technological advancements and the emergence of Industry 4.0. It identified key employability skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and technology. The study proposed an upskilling strategy to align education and training with industry demands, ensuring employees possessed both technical and soft skills. A descriptive-correlational design and convenience sampling method were used to collect data from 410 respondents across 10 major electronics companies in Dongguan City, Guangdong, China. A Self-administered survey assessed respondents' employability competency levels and the contribution levels in influencers on career opportunities, and further analyzed the significant alignment between employability skills and career opportunities. Based on the results of the findings, the study proposed a digital talent development upskilling strategy aimed at addressing the skills gap and enhancing employability within the sector.

Digital transformation strategies in the financial services sector

The main objective of this research is to conduct a thorough analysis of the digital transformation tactics employed in the specific subsector of the financial services industry that has been selected for study. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the distinct problems, opportunities, and repercussions that are linked to the process of digital transformation within this particular subsector. Through this endeavor, this research provides a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge in this particular domain, thereby enabling industry leaders, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders to make more well-informed decisions., a mixed-methods research design was used in this study. This technique integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies to offer a holistic comprehension of digital transformation initiatives within a specific subsector of the financial services industry. The results of this research underscore the significance of digital transformation initiatives in improving consumer experiences, meeting regulatory requirements, and capitalizing on technical progress. The obstacles that have been identified, such as the need to comply with regulations and address cybersecurity issues, highlight the intricate environment that financial institutions must navigate. Furthermore, the acknowledgment of customer-centric approaches and the significance of data analytics and personalization validate the industry's ability to adjust to client preferences and competitive dynamics.

Digital twin-assisted fault diagnosis framework for rolling bearings under imbalanced data

The application of deep learning-based fault diagnosis methods is constrained by the imbalanced data. Recently, many studies have suggested integrating dynamic model responses into the training process to address data imbalances. However, significant distribution discrepancies exist between dynamic model responses and real measured data, resulting in suboptimal performance. To address this challenge, this research proposes a digital twin-assisted framework for rolling bearings fault diagnosis under imbalanced data, which minimizes the distribution discrepancies between dynamic model responses and real measured data through information and feature transfer. Firstly, a Digital Twin-assisted Data Fusion Strategy (DTDFS) is proposed to facilitate information transfer from physical entities to dynamic models, generating digital twin data for data augmentation. Subsequently, a Frequency Filter Subdomain Adaptation Network (FFSAN) is proposed to achieve feature transfer between twin data and measured data. Finally, experimental results and engineering applications demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly outperforms existing imbalanced fault diagnosis methods, which is crucial to the application of deep learning-based fault diagnosis in industrial settings.

Exploring the Influencing Factors of Digital Transformation Effectiveness of Specialized and Sophisticated SMEs

Digital transformation is a significant strategy for enterprises to implement long-term business growth and high-quality development. This paper identifies the factors affecting the effectiveness of digital transformation of specialized and sophisticated SMEs; explores the configuration path of the six antecedent factors that jointly drive the enterprise to achieve high-effective digital transformation by using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. The findings illustrate no single factor can be a necessary and sufficient condition for the formation of the outcome variable; There are three main configuration paths that lead to a high-impact corporate digital transformation, which can be categorized as total factor driven, organization-environment oriented, and organization-environment dominated. As the most energetic and high-quality group of SMEs, Specialized and sophisticated SMEs plays an exemplary leading role in the direction of digital transformation. Therefore, the research sample in this paper is representative and provides some reference indicators for the government to formulate support policies, and also enlighten the thinking of other small and medium-sized enterprises on digital transformation. In addition, this paper explore concludes the key factors and configuration paths that influence the transformation effectiveness of Specialized and Sophisticated SMEs, which could provide practical guidance for managers to formulate digital transformation strategies and paths.

Digital technologies in business education: a hybrid literature review from the Web of Science database

Purpose This study aims to consolidate existing research on digital technology in business education, focusing on adoption determinants, theoretical frameworks and implementation challenges. Design/methodology/approach A hybrid literature review was conducted. The first phase involved a keyword co-occurrence analysis of 254 Association of Business Schools-ranked journal articles from the Web of Science database to identify key research themes. To deepen the analysis, the second phase included a content analysis of the 24 most globally cited articles, each with a minimum of 65 total global citations. Findings The review reveals that studies primarily focus on factors influencing digital technology adoption, including institutional support, perceived usefulness and ease of use. Researchers frequently cite theoretical models such as the technology acceptance model and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. Identified challenges include concerns over technology effectiveness, resistance to change and the influence of cultural and generational differences on technology use. Practical implications The findings guide educators and policymakers in formulating strategies for effective technology adoption, emphasizing alignment with educational goals and addressing cultural barriers. Social implications Understanding generational and cultural impacts enables the creation of inclusive digital education strategies that cater to diverse student needs. Originality/value This study synthesizes fragmented literature, offering new insights into the integration of digital technologies in business education.

The Role of AI-driven Digital Advertising in Sustainable Real Estate Marketing in Nigeria

The 21st century has witnessed massive digital disruptions in all sectors, in what is now known as the Information Age. The foundation of these disruptions can be traced back to digital technology, which has drastically transformed communication and access to information in societies. It has also enabled organizations improve their business operations and create more value for their customers. Contemporary consumers’ behaviors and patterns are constantly changing hence, organizations need to adapt and transform their processes to incorporate use of digital tools in order to remain a going-concern, as well as be creative in offering them products and services that align with these needs. Using the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) and Media Richness theories, this paper adopts a qualitative research design to explore how Industry 4.0 (4iR) technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Big Data are changing the way organizations advertise Real Estate to targeted consumers, while considering the ethical and privacy implications of such engagements. Using a purposive sample of ten realtors in the luxury home segment, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data that was analyzed thematically. Findings confirmed that AI-driven tools have enhanced the digital advertising strategies of realtors, stimulated purchase intentions and sustained business growth.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship Development Training for Sindangheula Community in Utilizing Village Potential

Sindangheula Village is one of the villages in Indonesia that has great local economic potential, especially as a center for producing broomsticks. However, although broomstick production in Sindangheula Village has great market potential, business management and development still face various challenges, especially in terms of product innovation, business management, and effective marketing strategies. Based on these potentials and challenges, this study aims to measure the extent to which this training has an impact on improving the economic and social welfare of the village community. The community service method used in sustainable entrepreneurship training in Sindangheula Village consists of initial observation, theory and practice training, business mentoring, and evaluation. The implementation of the community service program in the form of sustainable entrepreneurship training for the Sindangheula Village community has had a positive impact, namely increasing community understanding of entrepreneurship, technical skills, product innovation, and digital marketing strategies. With the formation of business groups, collaboration occurs between community members in the production process, distribution, and product marketing.

Implications of Digital Operations Management Strategies for Chinese Retail-based Service Companies A Case Study of Service-oriented Companies Starbucks

Under the impetus of digitalization, China's retail service industry can no longer achieve higher development through traditional operation and management modes, so it is necessary to explore digital operation and management strategies that are suitable for China in the wave of the development of digital economy. This paper takes Starbucks, a global coffee chain, as an example to explore the favorable reference and inspiration provided by the digital operation management strategy to Chinese retail service enterprises. By analyzing the main reasons that motivate Chinese retail-based service enterprises to undergo digital transformation, and using Starbucks' digital transformation strategy as a case study, this paper concludes that Chinese service-oriented retail enterprises have to follow the development mode of integrating online and offline in digital transformation. China's retail-based service industry can mainly start from four major aspects in the process of digital transformation, namely, the inclusion of digital technologies, optimisation of supply chain management, innovation in marketing, and establishment a new talent training model. To promote the continuous development and innovation of the enterprise through the adoption of concrete and implementable measures.

Visual political communication on Instagram: a comparative study of Brazilian presidential elections

AbstractIn today’s digital age, images have become powerful tools for politicians to engage with their voters on social media platforms. Visual content possesses a unique emotional appeal that often leads to increased user engagement. However, research on visual communication remains relatively limited, particularly in the Global South. This study aims to bridge this gap by employing a combination of computational methods and qualitative approach to investigate the visual communication strategies employed in a dataset of 11,263 Instagram posts by 19 Brazilian presidential candidates in 2018 and 2022 national elections. Through two studies, we observed consistent patterns across these candidates on their use of visual political communication. Notably, we identify a prevalence of celebratory and positively toned images. They also exhibit a strong sense of personalization, portraying candidates connected with their voters on a more emotional level. Our research also uncovers unique contextual nuances specific to the Brazilian political landscape. We note a substantial presence of screenshots from news websites and other social media platforms. Furthermore, text-edited images with portrayals emerge as a prominent feature. In light of these results, we engage in a discussion regarding the implications for the broader field of visual political communication. This article contributes by showing the ways Instagram was used in the digital political strategy of two fiercely polarized Brazilian elections, shedding light on the ever-evolving dynamics of visual political communication in the digital age. Finally, we propose avenues for future research in the field of political communication.

Transforming Public Policy in Developing Countries: A Comprehensive Review of Digital Implementation

This article discusses the process of digitization in the implementation of public policy within developing countries, its critical success factors, challenges, and lessons learned from case studies. Public administration can improve efficiencies, transparency, and effectiveness through the infusion of digital technologies into processes implicated in the making, execution, and evaluation of public policies. Key success factors identified include robust digital infrastructure, clear strategic vision and leadership, effective stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and a supportive regulatory framework. In light of these potential benefits, developing countries experience enormous challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, political instability, socio-political resistance, and gaps in digital literacy. Through a review of empirical case studies from countries such as Estonia, South Korea, China, Bangladesh, and Rwanda, the article identifies key lessons that can inform the digital strategies of other developing nations. The discussion addresses the challenges of sustaining digital infrastructure, including ongoing maintenance costs, the need for continuous technology updates, and the risks of obsolescence. Furthermore, the article explores the significance of capacity building, public-private partnerships, and evolving regulatory frameworks in ensuring the long-term viability of digital policies. The future directions proposed underscore the necessity of adopting adaptable, resilient, and well-governed digital infrastructures to fully realize the benefits of digital public policy in the context of developing countries.

The Influence of Digital Marketing, Product Quality, and Emotional Factors on Consumer Satisfaction

The rapid evolution of digital technology has reshaped marketing approaches, with digital marketing emerging as a cornerstone in connecting brands with consumers. Alongside digital marketing, product quality and emotional factors have gained prominence in shaping consumer satisfaction. This study investigates the interplay between digital marketing, product quality, and emotional factors influencing consumer satisfaction in Indonesian markets. The research aims to evaluate their individual and collective impacts to provide insights for strategic optimization. Using a quantitative approach with a descriptive correlational design, data were collected through an online questionnaire from January to March 2024. A purposive sampling method was employed, targeting 150 respondents across Indonesia who had engaged with brands utilizing digital marketing strategies. The variables were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, and data were analyzed through multiple linear regression using SPSS. The findings reveal significant positive contributions from all three variables. Digital marketing had a regression coefficient of 0.321 (p < 0.001), emphasizing the importance of personalized and interactive strategies. Product quality demonstrated the highest influence with a coefficient of 0.412 (p < 0.001), confirming its critical role in exceeding consumer expectations and fostering loyalty. Emotional factors contributed a coefficient of 0.275 (p = 0.001), underscoring the relevance of positive brand interactions in enhancing satisfaction. The simultaneous effect of these variables was validated through an F-statistic of 42.7 (p < 0.001), with an R² value of 0.72, indicating strong explanatory power. This research provides a holistic framework for understanding consumer satisfaction by integrating digital marketing, product quality, and emotional factors. It recommends prioritizing product quality, optimizing digital marketing strategies, and fostering emotional connections to achieve sustained consumer loyalty. Future studies should explore these dynamics across diverse industries and consumer segments to expand upon these findings.

Transforming Alzheimer's Digital Caregiving through Large Language Models.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) present significant caregiving challenges, with increasing burdens on informal caregivers. This study examines the potential of AI-driven Large Language Models (LLMs) in developing digital caregiving strategies for AD/ADRD. The objectives include analyzing existing caregiving education materials (CEMs) and mobile application descriptions (MADs) and aligning key caregiving tasks with digital functions across different stages of disease progression. We analyzed 38 CEMs from the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus, along with associated hyperlinked web resources, and 57 MADs focused on AD digital caregiving. Using ChatGPT 3.5, essential caregiving tasks were extracted and matched with digital functionalities suitable for each stage of AD progression, while also highlighting digital literacy requirements for caregivers. The analysis categorizes AD caregiving into 4 stages-Pre-Clinical, Mild, Moderate, and Severe-identifying key tasks, such as behavior monitoring, daily assistance, direct supervision, and ensuring a safe environment. These tasks were supported by digital aids, including memory- enhancing apps, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, voice-controlled devices, and advanced GPS tracking for comprehensive care. Additionally, 6 essential digital literacy skills for AD/ADRD caregiving were identified: basic digital skills, communication, information management, safety and privacy, healthcare knowledge, and caregiver coordination, highlighting the need for tailored training. The findings advocate for an LLM-driven strategy in designing digital caregiving interventions, particularly emphasizing a novel paradigm in AD/ADRD support, offering adaptive assistance that evolves with caregivers' needs, thereby enhancing their shared decision-making and patient care capabilities.

Perspectives of Digital Health Innovations in Low- and Middle-Income Health Care Systems From South and Southeast Asia.

Digital health innovations have emerged globally as a transformative force for addressing health system challenges, particularly in resource-constrained settings. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of these innovations for enhancing public health. In South and Southeast Asia, a region known for its cultural diversity and complex health care landscape, digital health innovations present a dynamic interplay of challenges and opportunities. We advocate for ongoing research built into system development and an evidence-based strategy focusing on designing and scaling national digital health infrastructures combined with a vibrant ecosystem or "marketplace" of local experiments generating shared experience about what works in which settings. As the global digital health revolution unfolds, the perspectives drawn from South and Southeast Asia-including the importance of local partnerships-may provide valuable insights for shaping future strategies and informing similar initiatives in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to effective digital health strategies across diverse global health contexts.