A world without plastic packaging waste by 2030 is achievable. But it will require significant change. It will require consumers to be connected to the packaging they use. It will require a marriage between economy, ecology, and society. And it will require a monetary, ecological (i.e., carbon credit), and social value to be assigned to packaging that is currently disposed of all too easily. And finally, it will require “Uberization of waste management.” In this paper, a number of solutions and recommendations for creating a world without plastic packaging waste are presented – all are in harmony with the pace of change we are witnessing within the present age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) aka Industry 4.0. The study explores how the plastics industry in general, and Food & Beverage (F&B) industry in particular can adopt the recommendations, thus transforming the industry, and crafting entirely new customer value propositions. The findings from the yearlong qualitative study that commenced in 2018, in part were based on interviews of industry experts. They are condensed into nine strategic recommendations to help achieve the vision of a world free plastic pollution by 2030. The recommendations were chosen to be both achievable yet bold and strive to encourage all stakeholders to work collectively towards meeting the vision by 2030.
Objectives: This study aims to identify the opportunities and threats of automation and robotisation process automation in the development of public services. Research Design & Methods: In this study, the method of deduction was used as well as auxiliary methods and techniques such as logical analysis, analysis and study of literature, and classification and scientific description. The reasoning process was based on knowledge of management sciences and the existing findings with regard to digital transformation, in particular the robotic process automation of the public sector and services. Findings: The study revealed opportunities and threats related to the automation and robotisation of public services concerning three entities/groups: citizens, administration employees, and public organisations. Implications: The issues presented in the article might constitute the basis for practitioners, mainly public authorities and all other persons responsible for creating and implementing automated and robotic public services. Applications can be of particular interest to local government officials and management staff of various public institutions. Therefore, the robotisation and automation of services will gain in importance in the coming years, and many entities will be involved in their introduction and operation. This paper can also be useful for the economic and non-governmental sectors, whose recipients will be more aware of the opportunities and threats of service automation and robotisation. Contribution / Value Added: As a result of the analysis, the synthesis of the theoretical findings on the processes of automation and the robotisation of public services as well as certain consequences of these processes for further development of these public services were identified. They were then classified as opportunities or threats to the further automation and robotisation of public services, which may serve as a basis for the establishment of subsequent empirical studies. Article classification: theoretical/conceptual paper JEL classification: M0, O3, H4
Within the context of increasingly digital work, it appeared interesting to look at how military leaders and their leadership style will have to adapt to remain “up-to-speed” with current challenges. It is qualitative research based on interviews with military and civilian experts. Four interviews have been conducted, but there would be the potential to interview many more experts and look deeper into the matter. Within the context of digitalised military leadership, the importance of communication and mutual trust has been underscored by the experts. They agreed that leaders nowadays must embrace digital developments and include them in their leadership styles. The civilian world can learn from the military when it comes to leadership approaches, which is happening at the time of publication of this article with practical examples (senior military leaders assigned to lead the pandemic task force in some countries). Overall, the outcome of the research is that a relevant and resilient military leadership style in the 21st century resembles the elements of the situational leadership style developed by Hersey-Blanchard.
Aim/purpose – Not only have micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) been regarded as a driving force of the national economy, but they have also become important in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. In general, today’s MSMEs face problems, such as high business costs, insufficient innovation, and inadequate management capabilities, that have all forced the digital transformation of MSMEs. However, in existing studies, the impact of digital transformation on performance is controversial, and the subjects are generally listed companies. In this paper, we have decided to use micro business survey data and analyze them from a spatial perspective to explore how MSMEs’ digital transformation plays a role in influencing performance and the path of its effect. Design/methodology/approach – We use a sampling method with a dual directory-regional sampling frame to investigate MSMEs in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China and then delve into the impact of digital transformation on enterprise performance from a spatial perspective by the spatial weighted logit model. Findings – Hierarchical analysis shows that there is a large room for improvement in the Digital transformation of enterprises. The digitalization level of an enterprise has a positive impact on performance. While from a spatial perspective, the digitalization level of neighboring enterprises has a negative impact on the performance of the enterprise. Path analysis shows that the digital transformation of enterprises can increase innovation, reduce costs, and improve the performance of enterprises. Originality/value – We provide an empirical basis for vigorously promoting the digital transformation of enterprises, jointly building digital parks, and improving enterprise performance by reducing costs and improving efficiency. At the same time, it provides relevant suggestions for digital transformation for manufacturing MSMEs that are hesitant to see or are at a loss in the digital transformation and helps manufacturing MSMEs to achieve cost reduction and increase efficiency.
Effective implementation of the digital transformation is becoming crucial for companies in a growing number of sectors. In this article the author describes the concept of using enterprise architecture to coordinate such an initiative for organization networks. The structure of the author’s model has been presented and future directions to improve it have been outlined. Keywords: organization network, digital transformation, enterprise architecture, organization transformation.
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Efektywne wdrażanie cyfrowej transformacji zaczyna mieć kluczowe znaczenie dla firm z coraz większej liczby sektorów. W artykule przedstawiono koncepcję wykorzystania architektury korporacyjnej do koordynacji takiego przedsięwzięcia dla sieci organizacji. Omówiono strukturę autorskiego modelu oraz wskazano na kierunki dalszych prac nad tą koncepcją.
Research background: In the digital era, digital transformation has become a strategic imperative for leadership agenda. Many firms have accelerated their pace in digital transformation to improve their performance and competitiveness. Despite increasing attention in the literature on the role of digital transformation in firms' operations, understanding the effect of digital transformation on corporate finance remains limited. This study focuses on cash holdings, which are essential for firms to survive and thrive. Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to examine the critical role of digital transformation on the cash holdings of listed firms in China and provide micro evidence regarding the economic consequences of the digital economy from firm level. This study also aims to deepen our understanding of the influence of digital transformation on firms' operation and financial policy. Additionally, this paper attempts to provide relevant guidance for implementing policies to promote digital transformation and devise corresponding cash holding strategies. Methods: The text analysis method is used to measure the degree of digital transformation of China's A-share listed companies. The sample covers 19,337 observations from 2007-2020. A multiple regression model with firm and year fixed effect is developed to investigate the relationship between digital transformation and corporate cash holdings. In the robustness test, this paper substitutes the independent and dependent variables, and adopts instrumental variable estimation method. In the mechanism test, this paper uses the sub-sample regression method in the mechanism test. Findings & value added: This study reveals that digital transformation can significantly reduce corporate cash holdings by alleviating the precautionary motive, agency motive and transaction motive of cash holdings. Further analysis shows that the negative effect of digital transformation on cash holdings is more profound in high-tech firms and non-state-owned enterprises. The methodology applied in this paper can be used in other economic research of firms. This study provides insights into the effects of digital transformation on corporate financial policy. This provides a solution for reducing firms' cash holdings. This study also deepens the understanding of digital transformation from a corporate perspective.
Research background: The rapid development of digital economy has set off a new wave of enterprise reform. Developing the digital economy is not only an urgent requirement of the current situation, but also an important way to meet the people's better life. Purpose of the article: This paper attempts to reveal the important role of the development of digital technology on the debt financing cost of micro enterprises, and provide micro evidence for the integration of digital economy and real economy. At the same time, this paper wants to provide relevant guidance for formulating digital related policies and reducing the financing cost of the real economy. Methods: Taking China's A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2020 as a sample, this paper empirically tests the impact of enterprise digital transformation on debt financing cost and its mechanism. In the robustness test, this paper uses the measures of changing independent variables and dependent variables, instrumental variable method and quantile regression method. In the mechanism test, this paper uses the intermediary effect model. In the further study, this paper uses the method of group regression. Findings & value added: The study finds that the digital transformation of enterprises significantly reduces the cost of debt financing. Mechanism tests show that the role of enterprise digital transformation in reducing debt financing costs is mainly realized by reducing information asymmetry and alleviating agency problems. Further tests show that the relationship between enterprise digital transformation and debt financing cost is affected by the degree of market competition, whether it is a high-tech enterprise and audit quality. When the degree of market competition is high, the enterprise is a high-tech one, or it is audited by the four major international accounting firms, the effect of enterprise digital transformation on the reduction of debt financing cost is more significant. The method used in this paper is also applicable to the study of other economic management problems. This paper proves a positive significance of digital transformation, which is conducive to promoting the digital transformation of enterprises. Especially for those enterprises in non-high-tech industries, they should speed up the pace. At the same time, this paper has a certain guiding role for the introduction and implementation of policies to encourage digital transformation.
This study aims to present changes that are taking place in the market of logistics services as a result of the development of digital technologies and show their influence on the business models of logistics service providers. In her research, the author applied Porter’s 5 forces model as a theoretical framework for the analysis in the area of innovation and technology in logistics. The study uses the deduction method. This is a conceptual paper based on the analysis of secondary materials, i.e., examples of innovative logistics solutions, reports of research agencies and consulting companies, and literature studies. The results of the analysis show that we are dealing with the digital transformation of the logistics service industry (not digital destruction). Technologies like sensors, robots, automation, cloud computing, data analysis, 3D printing, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, digital twins or blockchain technology supplement but not replace the real world of logistics by providing customers with higher logistics service value.
The paper describes the circumstances in which digital technology arises; the change is recognized in the literature as the basis of digital transformation. This transformation is understood as a deterministic economic process. However, the analysis of the deeper circumstances of this process shows that we are dealing with a vast change in the ways of understanding and describing the world, i.e. with an epistemological change. This change concerns, on the one hand, the method of creating general mathematical (including geometric) structures that are the basis of models used to describe the world, and on the other hand—tools for its description, e.g. network theory, systems theory, complexity theory. Such a broadly understood change makes the deterministic description proposed by the digital transformation too simple and shallow. Instead, the concept of pre-digital transformation is proposed. It includes not only the omitted historical part but also creates better and richer conditions for understanding the digital transformation process, as well as for developing appropriate conceptual tools for its use.
The main purpose of this paper is to present the level of new technologies implementation in the healthcare systems in US and Poland. New technologies play a crucial role in everyday life, including healthcare. Medical documentation and easy access to potentially life-changing or lifesaving information are extremely important for all the stakeholders in the healthcare system — its preparation, archiving and effective use in real time upon request may be supported by advanced systems. IT systems may improve security, medical services quality and efficiency of medical treatment, regardless of the type of healthcare system — private in the US and public in Poland. The results of surveys conducted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Polish Centrum Systemów Informacyjnych Ochrony Zdrowia [Center of Healthcare Information Systems] have been used in this paper.
Digital transformation is widely recognized to be a key issue in contemporary management studies. The area is attracting increasing attention because of both the general trend of the growing importance which digital technologies play in the present society, as well as the ways companies are using digital technologies to improve their competitive advantage. As a result, digital transformation is a subject of a growing number of papers, research, and managerial publications. The main aim of this work is to propose and validate a method to measure the phenomenon and its role in companies’ strategies, and to gather information on strategic directions for digital transformation in enterprises. This paper presents an overview of the literature discussion on digital transformation. A method to study directions of digital transformation in enterprises is demonstrated. It is based on the content analysis methodology and is used to study a choice-based sample of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The research carried out offers preliminary evidence supporting the conclusion that digital transformation is a phenomenon which can be measured with the content analysis framework. The findings also outline strategic directions for digital transformation and shed light on possible variables influencing the process.
Digital transformation is widely recognized to be a key issue in contemporary management studies. The area is attracting increasing attention because of both the general trend of the growing importance which digital technologies play in the present society, as well as the ways companies are using digital technologies to improve their competitive advantage. As a result, digital transformation is a subject of a growing number of papers, research, and managerial publications. The main aim of this work is to propose and validate a method to measure the phenomenon and its role in companies’ strategies, and to gather information on strategic directions for digital transformation in enterprises. This paper presents an overview of the literature discussion on digital transformation. A method to study directions of digital transformation in enterprises is demonstrated. It is based on the content analysis methodology and is used to study a choice-based sample of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The research carried out offers preliminary evidence supporting the conclusion that digital transformation is a phenomenon which can be measured with the content analysis framework. The findings also outline strategic directions for digital transformation and shed light on possible variables influencing the process.
The article highlights the attempt to interpret the concept of digital logistics, which in most scientific papers is considered not as a separate concept, but as a set of technologies that allow digitalization of logistics. The main goal of the study is to review key technologies that allow us to talk about the digital transformation of logistics and its digitalization. In particular, the methods and advantages of using technologies such as the Internet of Things, RFID technology, wireless sensor networks (WSN), which are used in an integrated manner and make it possibleto track the movement of goods and apply smart management; digital duplicates that simulate real objects, in particular, warehouses in digital format; autopilot cars, drones, which minimize human participation in the processes of delivery and transportation; blockchain, Big Data, Data Lakes, artificial intelligence, which together allow to form arrays of information and make conclusions and forecasts based on them, which allow optimizing logistics processes; 3D printing, which makes it possible to replace the delivery of components with their production on-site as needed. Technology such as digital logistics platforms that can be used to optimize procurement and transportation of goods is singled out. Research methodology: analysis and synthesis for preliminary analysis with the formulation of problems, definition of goals, system approach for definition of structural connections between elements of digital technology of logistics.
This article aims to analyze the “Robim Good” project – a digital platform for sharing urban knowledge and info about upcoming local campaigns. A vacuum among urban initiatives was established in Belarus because of the repressive policy of the authoritarian regime. As a result, around 965 non-profit organizations have been shut down. Nonetheless, there was a demand from activists to create a safe managerial organization that focused on urbanism. The “Robim Good” project became a solution. The research question is as follows: what is the value orientation of the analyzed digital platform that attracts new participants? The paper applies the value-based approach in NGO engagement. The analysis shows that one of the main promoted values and key characteristics of the digital ecosystem is security, which is directed at overcoming the dangers of the unpredictable regime. Subsequently, “Robim Good” has been able to engage volunteers and survive after a year of activity.
Research background: SMEs' concern for the digital literacy of their workforce, their interest in increasing digital literacy among employees, and securing their digital platforms, have been major issues in their digital transformation process. To reduce those obstacles, the dynamic capabilities of SMEs included in the Resource-based View (RBV) might be an effective solution since they help companies be more competitive and proactive against the threats they face in the digitalization process. Purpose of the article: This research aims to investigate whether SMEs' dynamic capabilities positively contribute to their digital transformation process. Methods: In line with the proposed relationships, this paper analyzes SMEs from Czechia by running Ordinal Logistic Regression analyses. The research sample is created by stratified random sampling and purposive sampling methods. The research data is collected via telephone surveys. Findings & value added: This research does not find a positive relationship between the dynamic capabilities of SMEs and the digital transformation process. While the results related to digital literacy are negatively associated with digital transformation, no significant relationship exists between security actions and the digital transformation of SMEs. This paper extends the scope of RBV on the digital transformation of SMEs by analyzing various dynamic capabilities of SMEs that have not been included in a sole study. Moreover, the perceptions of SME executives are considered by this research to provide effective solutions for the problems they face in digital transformation. Having a joint venture agreement with well-experienced IT companies, having a network with partner firms, looking for funding opportunities in the EU, participating in some practical training, and providing internships for bachelor students might enable SMEs to hit their targets in digital transformation.
Research background: As Artificial Intelligence (AI) weaves into the fabric of daily life, its societal and economic implications underscore the urgency of embracing an environment conducive to its informed adoption. This requires a sophisticated understanding of the societal perception and adaptability to AI, emphasizing the importance of developing comprehensive AI literacy. Purpose of the article: This study inquiries into the sociodemographic underpinnings of AI literacy, aiming to demystify how knowledge about AI's capabilities in everyday tasks varies across individual population segments. It allows us to define the basic determinants that influence the differences in the individual population structures. It also reveals the potential risks associated with the use of AI. Methods: This study investigates the awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in daily lives of the Czech population, focusing on the influence of socio-demographic factors. Utilizing computer-assisted web interviewing, we surveyed 1,041 respondents in April 2023, ensuring representativeness by applying quotas for age, gender, education, region, and residential area size. Our investigation spanned AI applications in sectors like customer service, music playlist recommendation, email sorting, healthcare, online shopping, and home devices. Findings & value added: Findings taken from descriptive statistics reveal variable AI awareness levels across different domains, with younger demographics exhibiting notably lower awareness in several areas. Regression analysis highlighted that awareness is significantly associated with gender, age, and education level. Regression analysis showed that males, younger age groups and those with higher levels of education were more likely to correctly answer majority of questions about the role of AI in everyday life. These insights are crucial for stakeholders aiming to enhance AI literacy, tailor communication strategies, and develop digital platforms, offering guidance for policymakers and market analysts in optimizing AI-related initiatives.
Research background: In the era of the digital revolution, the Internet, automation and robotisation, new industrial relations and dynamic interactions among different stakeholders are giving rise to new opportunities and challenges. The changes associated with the enforcement of the ?Industry 4.0? concept require adaptation to these developments at different levels of the economy and society in order to support digital transformation. Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to measure and assess the impact of digital transformation on European countries (EU). The comparative analysis of technological development in EU countries includes three dimensions: the digitalisation of society (Society 4.0), the ability of the economy to face the challenges of technological development (Economy 4.0), as well as the exploitation of ICT in companies (Companies 4.0). Methods: The empirical section of the article was built on a two-stage analytical approach: (a) cluster analysis methods to assess differences and similarities between EU countries (Hierarchical Cluster and K-Means Cluster) and (b) the multi-criteria decision-making method (TOPSIS) to rank countries according to the adopted evaluation criteria. For the purposes of this analysis, data from the Eurostat database have been applied. Findings & value added: The results of this analysis demonstrate the impact of technological transformation on the economy and society in EU countries grouped according to a similar level of development, such as countries with high, medium and low performance. This has contributed to indicating the cohesion in technological development achieved by each country group and to recognising the digitalisation gap between EU Member States. The novelty of this study consists in applying the multi-stage, multi-criteria analysis based on cluster analysis and the TOPSIS method, as well as the comparative analysis of the impact of technological developments on the societies and economies of EU countries. This paper extends similar studies by focusing on the application of a broad range of indicators regarding a holistic perspective including three dimensions: societies, economies and companies. The results provide valuable insights into evaluating the technological progress in European countries.
Digitalna transformacija financijskog sektora na globalnom tržištu snažno napreduje. Fin-Tech kompanije sve više konkuriraju ili čak u potpunosti zaobilaze postojeći financijski sektor, primarno banke. Taj trend vidljiv je i u Republici Hrvatskoj, gdje se sve više pojavljuju nova poduzeća i njihovi inovativni financijski proizvodi. U cilju provjere spremnosti hrvatskih banaka na digitalnu transformaciju te implementaciju novih proizvoda i usluga, kroz provedeno kvalitativno istraživanje (intervjui s deset relevantnih sugovornika iz područja bankarstva i Fin-Tech kompanija) provjeren je utjecaj Fin-Tech kompanija koji su van bankarskog sektora, na sam bankarski sustav. Dodatna je pozornost tijekom istraživanja posvećena procjeni jesu li banke i Fin-Tech kompanije na hrvatskom tržištu prepoznale aktualne potrebe svojih klijenata, koliko im se dobro prilagođavaju te mogu li banke i dalje biti lideri u digitalnoj transformaciji Republike Hrvatske. Što se tiče prilagođavanja potrebama klijenata, manji dio sudionika istraživanja smatra kako će se portfelj usluga banaka tek nadopunjavati novim proizvodima i uslugama, dok ipak veći dio sudionika istraživanja smatra kako će u idućih 5 godina, postojeće prvenstveno platno prometne usluge banaka i kartičarskih kuća biti zamijenjene posve novim poslovnim modelima. Predstavnici banaka uočavaju jak utjecaj Fin-Tech kompanija na globalnom tržištu, no smatraju da u Republici Hrvatskoj oni ipak imaju manji utjecaj. Također, smatraju da se banke generalno dobro prilagođavaju novoj situaciji te da će i dalje ostati lideri digitalne transformacije. Tu poziciju zadržat će prvenstveno zbog svoje veličine i količine kapitala kojom raspolažu u procesu izgradnje percepcije sigurnosti svog poslovanja koja je hrvatskim korisnicima i dalje iznimno bitna. Na temelju rezultata provedenog istraživanja dane su preporuke daljnjih aktivnosti vezenih uz digitalnu transformaciju, koje bi banke trebale provesti u cilju zadržavanja vodeće pozicije na hrvatskom tržištu financijskih usluga.
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The digital transformation of the financial sector is making strong progress in the global market. Fin-Tech companies are increasingly competing with, or even completely bypassing the existing financial sector, primarily banks. This trend is evident also in the Republic of Croatia, where new companies and their innovative financial products are increasingly emerging. In order to verify the readiness of Croatian banks to digital transformation and the implementation of new products and services, a qualitative research has been carried out (interviews with ten relevant respondents in the banking and Fin-Tech companies) to check the impact of Fin-Tech companies outside the banking sector on the banking system itself. During the research, particular attention was given to assessing whether banks and Fin-Tech companies on the Croatian market recognized the current needs of their clients, how well they adapted to their needs and whether banks can continue to be leaders in the digital transformation of the Republic of Croatia. As far as customer needs are concerned, a minor part of the respondents believe that the portfolio of banking services will merely be supplemented with new products and services, while most of the respondents believe that in the next 5 years the existing money transfer and card-based banking services will be replaced by completely new business models. Bank representatives note the strong influence of Fin-Tech companies on the global market but believe they still have a minor influence in the Republic of Croatia. They also believe that the banks are generally adapting well to the new situation and will continue to be leaders of digital transformation. They will retain this position primarily because of their size and the amount of capital they have at disposal in the process of building the perception of the safety of their business, which remains extremely important for Croatian clients. Based on research results, recommendations have been made for further activities related to digital transformation, which banks should implement in order to maintain a leading position on the Croatian financial services market.
Purpose: This article aims to assess strategy and technology as key drivers of Greek businesses’cdigital transformation and compare the results to those of international studies and sources. Methodology: A research was conducted on 124 Greek businesses from different sectors and industries with the use of an anonymous questionnaire from December 2019 to January 2020. Greek businesses were categorized as early, developing, and maturing according to their perceptions about the level of their digital maturity, and differences were identified. The results were finally compared to an international relevant survey. Findings: Several differences were located among the Greek businesses of the three digital maturity categories as formulated after their self-evaluation, and evolution has been identified on their perceptions about their digital strategy, its existence, objectives, and structure, which can be seen developing and expanding from the lowest to the highest levels of digital maturity. Originality: The findings can be useful in creating an initial picture of the perceptions and practices applied by Greek businesses to their use of digital technologies. They can also become a measure of comparison for the self-evaluation of Greek businesses in their efforts to digitally transform.
The motivation for this paper comes from the recognition that our understanding of specialisation might be too simplistic and that the dichotomy of specialisation and diversification could be outdated not reflecting the richness of real complex economic and technological relations among industries. Drawing on a qualitative study of the Hamburg Aviation (HAv) cluster, this paper discusses the peculiarities of a cluster profile in the digital time – the age of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), touching upon the issues of cluster structure and the complexity of production, synchronising specialisation with diversification, branching, and bridging, and the I4.0 attributes facilitating complementarity. The final research proposal, which is empirically embedded in the studied context, states that related variety encompassing both ‘specialisation in diversification’ and ‘diversification within specialisation’ can be further developed by a blending process. This can lead to branching and is modulated by the universal character of the I4.0 and a problem-solving attitude. It takes the form of an additive (new entries) or multiplicative (spinoffs) evolution, and, ultimately, owing to the complementarity, it can provide sustainable competitive advantages.
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