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Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses

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A special issue of Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research (ISSN 0718-1876). This special issue belongs to the section "Entrepreneurship, Innovation, FinTech Accounting and Industry 4.0".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 45588

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vahid Jafari-Sadeghi

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Guest Editor

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Interests: international entrepreneurship; digital transformation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Leicester Castle Business School, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
Interests: digitalisation in supply chain; game theory; decision making

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the business environment has been characterised by the emergence of a different set of digital infrastructures, platforms, and technologies that have changed the way people live and work (Jafari-Sadeghi et al., 2021; Rezaei et al., 2020). This has been boosted by the current trends of automation of manufacturing, applying innovative business practices, and employing advanced technologies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). Therefore, the “digitalisation transformation” is employed to highlight the disruptive and transformational implications of the latest digital technologies for businesses (Matt et al., 2016).

Literature has tried to investigate the role of innovation and digitalisation transformation in various fields, such as business models and performance (Garousi Mokhtarzadeh, Amoozad Mahdiraji, Jafari-Sadeghi, et al., 2020; Garousi Mokhtarzadeh, Amoozad Mahdiraji, Jafarpanah, et al., 2020; Hinterhuber & Nilles, 2021; Kotarba, 2018; Sukumar et al., 2020), entrepreneurship (Jafari Sadeghi & Biancone, 2018), healthcare (Rezaei et al., 2021), etc. However, there is little known still about the extent to which businesses employ innovative digital strategies to survive and grow in the intricate business environment. For this reason, this Special Issue aims to disentangle specific digital resources, dynamic capabilities, innovative strategies, etc. which are crucial for successful digital transformation in a different type of businesses, such as (but not limited to) entrepreneurial businesses, digital start-ups, innovative international new ventures, etc.

We encourage conceptual and empirical papers using a diverse range of methods (either qualitative or quantitative). In particular, research papers bridging the gap between theoretical conceptions and practical insights are highly welcome. As such, this Special Issue focuses on research on digital innovation and strategies, digitalisation, and digital transformation and calls for is but not limited to the below themes:

Digital innovation and strategies and value creation;
External (e.g., institutions, infrastructure) and internal (e.g., unique resources, dynamic capabilities) factors of digitalisation transformation;
Key drivers and main outcomes of digitalisation transformation and innovation for businesses;
Effect of digitalisation transformation in firm internationalisation;
Digitalisation transformation in small firms;
Digital entrepreneurship and new venture creation;
Digital supply chain transformation;
Decision-making processes for digital transformation;
Decision analytics and decision-making frameworks towards digitalisation;
New business models and transformation within key industries;
Individual- and firm-level motivations towards digitalisation transformation;
Managerial characteristics and for digital transformation.

References

Garousi Mokhtarzadeh, N., Amoozad Mahdiraji, H., Jafari-Sadeghi, V., Soltani, A., & Abbasi Kamardi, A. (2020). A product-technology portfolio alignment approach for food industry : A multi-criteria decision making with z-numbers. British Food Journal, 122(12), 3947–3967. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-02-2020-0115

Garousi Mokhtarzadeh, N., Amoozad Mahdiraji, H., Jafarpanah, I., Jafari-Sadeghi, V., & Cardinali, S. (2020). Investigating the impact of networking capability on firm innovation performance: using the resource-action-performance framework. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 21(6), 1009–1034. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIC-01-2020-0005

Hinterhuber, A., & Nilles, M. (2021). Digital transformation, the holy greail and the disruption of business models. Business Horizons.

Jafari-Sadeghi, V., Garcia-Perez, A., Candelo, E., & Couturier, J. (2021). Exploring the impact of digital transformation on technology entrepreneurship and technological market expansion : The role of technology readiness , exploration and exploitation. Journal of Business Research, 124(2021), 100–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.11.020

Jafari Sadeghi, V., & Biancone, P. Pietro. (2018). How micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are driven outward the superior international trade performance? A multidimensional study on Italian food sector. Research in International Business and Finance, 45(October 2018), 597–606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ribaf.2017.07.136

Kotarba, M. (2018). Digital transformation of business models. Foundations of Management, 10(1), 123–142.

Matt, C., Hess, T., Benlian, A., & Wiesbock, F. (2016). Options for formulating a digital transformation strategy. MIS Quarterly Executive, 15(2), 6.

Rezaei, M., Jafari-Sadeghi, V., & Bresciani, S. (2020). What Drives the Process of Knowledge Management in a Cross-Cultural Setting: The Impact of Social Capital. European Business Review, 32(3), 485–511. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-06-2019-0127

Rezaei, M., Jafari-Sadeghi, V., Cao, D., & Amoozad Mahdiraji, H. (2021). Key indicators of ethical challenges in digital healthcare: A combined Delphi exploration and confirmative factor analysis approach with evidence from Khorasan province in Iran. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 167(2021), 120724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120724

Sukumar, A., Jafari-Sadeghi, V., Garcia-Perez, A., & Dutta, D. K. (2020). The potential link between corporate innovations and corporate competitiveness: evidence from IT firms in the UK. Journal of Knowledge Management, 24(5), 965–983. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2019-0590

Dr. Vahid Jafari-Sadeghi
Dr. Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Keywords: Digitalisation transformation
Innovation
Digital technology readiness
Digital technology exploration
Digital supply chain transformation
Blockchain Integration and Industry 4.0 in supply chain management
Digital technology exploitation
New business models
Digital entrepreneurship
Internationalisation

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Economy and the Upgrading of the Global Value Chain of China’s Service Industry

by Daxue Kan, Lianju Lyu, Weichiao Huang and Wenqing Yao

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2022, 17(4), 1279-1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer17040065 - 01 Oct 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4459

Abstract

China’s service trade competitiveness is weak, and the service industry occupies a low position in the GVC (Global Value Chain); therefore, promoting the upgrade of the GVC of China’s service industry is worth studying. Under the new situation of the continuous integration of the digital economy and the real economy, the digital economy has injected new momentum into the mid-to-high end of the GVC of China’s service industry. Based on the panel data of the service industry sub-sectors, the mediating effect model is constructed, and the system GMM (Generalized Method of Moments) is used to empirically determine whether the digital economy can significantly improve the participation and position of China’s service industry in the GVC, and promote the upgrading of the GVC of China’s service industry. This conclusion still holds after replacing the independent variable measurement indicator, adding control variables, considering changes in industry trends, and using quantile regression and other robustness tests. The promotion effect of the digital economy on the upgrading of the GVC of China’s service industry shows heterogeneity in different service objects and service industries with different factor intensities, indicating that the digital economy will affect the internal structure of the upgrading of the GVC of China’s service industry. The results of the mediation test found that the service trade cost, multilateral resistance to service trade, service industry structure, financial development level, human capital and service export complexity are the mechanisms for the digital economy to enable the upgrading of the GVC of China’s service industry. This study improves the analysis of the impact factors of the GVC in the service industry, enriches the theory of the GVC, and improves the research content of digital economy theory. This study also provides a reference for other developing countries similar to China on how to promote the upgrading of the GVC of the service industry in the process of digital economy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

19 pages, 2447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blockchain Technology as an Ecosystem: Trends and Perspectives in Accounting and Management

by Thomas Kitsantas and Evangelos Chytis

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2022, 17(3), 1143-1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer17030058 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5299

Abstract

A plethora of studies have examined the emerging technology of blockchain and its applications in accounting, management, and enterprise resource planning systems (ERPs). Blockchain technology (BT) can change the architecture of today’s ERPs and overcome the limitations of these centralized systems. The aim of this study is twofold. First, this paper defines and analyzes the deployment of an innovative architecture of a Blockchain as an Ecosystem (BaaE) platform proposing a conceptual model of the Triple Entry Accounting (TEA) transforming the current accounting practices. Second, the paper explores the integration of cost management, supply chain, and inventory management on BT providing the significant challenges and benefits and suggesting an agenda for future research. The authors conduct an exploratory qualitative analysis of an extensive body of literature, from 81 journals. The paper’s innovative contribution and primary objective is to explore, address, and employ this emerging BaaE platform technology that could potentially be integrated with TEA. Further, the study examines the theoretical, technical, and business aspects regarding TEA, since there is limited research evidence in this field. Additionally, the study tries to identify the implications of BaaE in the area of cost management, supply chain, and inventory management from an ecosystem perspective. This effort can assist organizations and practitioners in understanding and further examining this emerging technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

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17 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Digital Orientation and Digital Capability on Digital Transformation of SMEs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ramona Rupeika-Apoga, Kristine Petrovska and Larisa Bule

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2022, 17(2), 669-685; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer17020035 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 12336

Abstract

Despite the growing importance of digital transformation, empirical research on the drivers of digital transformation is still lacking, creating a knowledge gap. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of digital orientation and digital capability on digital transformation, as well as the mediating effect of digital transformation on revenues and business models of SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines a new conceptual framework designed on resource-based theory perspectives by using survey data of 246 SMEs in Latvia. To achieve the research purpose, this study used a mediation analysis to examine the direct effect of digital orientation and digital capability on digital transformation, as well as to explore the mediating effect of digital transformation on SME outcomes. Our results reveal that both digital orientation and digital capability have direct positive effects on digital transformation. We also found that digital transformation has a positive mediating effect from digital orientation on revenue and business model, as well as from digital capability on revenue. These findings could be useful for policymakers, managers and practitioners to clarify how digital orientation and digital capability intermediated through digital transformation affect the outcomes of SMEs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

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15 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Show Me What You Do and I Will Tell You Who You Are: A Cluster Typology of Supply Chain Risk Management in SMEs

by Johannes Paul Zeiringer, Susanne Durst and Stefan Thalmann

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2022, 17(1), 345-359; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer17010018 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3438

Abstract

Although research on risk management (RM) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in general and regarding supply chains (SCs) has increased recently, our understanding is still rather fragmented and underdeveloped. This refers particularly to new types of risks such as dynamic crises or emerging risks associated with digital transformation (DT). Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory paper is to investigate RM in SMEs in SCs. More precisely, the aim is to identify patterns that can be used to group SMEs according to their risk behavior (i.e., risk attitude and perception). Drawing from a data set of 181 European SMEs, this paper empirically conceptualizes a typology of SMEs. The typology consists of four distinct types of SMEs that emerged from a cluster analysis: collective risk eliminators, collective playing it safe seekers, collective risk-ignoring knights of fortune, and collective neglecting imperturbable ones. The findings indicate that different risk behavior leads to different degrees of collaboration within the SC. Furthermore, the close interconnection between RM as found in the different clusters and the respective firm’s innovation performance can be shown. By acknowledging the heterogeneity found in SMEs, this paper breaks away from mainstream research that tends to consider SMEs as a homogeneous entity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

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27 pages, 1537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decision-Making Strategy for Digital Transformation: A Two-Year Analytical Study and Follow-Up Concerning Innovative Improvements in University e-Services

by Hani Brdesee and Wafaa Alsaggaf

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2022, 17(1), 138-164; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer17010008 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3444

Abstract

Universities worldwide strive to provide the best student services possible, particularly those that support student achievements and career goals. Therefore, academic advising continues to be a significant part of the student experience, one which universities need to fully understand in terms of its objectives, application processes, and required skill. As a result of significant technological improvements since the turn of the millennium, including expanding internet applications and digital transformations, universities have established computer information systems that support academic advising and course registration services. This study examined the effects of modifications to the electronic academic advising and course registration systems at King Abdulaziz University in 2018, and then again in 2020, following a university-wide system failure in 2018 resulting from a demand overload. In 2018, a preliminary statistical analysis and student feedback survey were conducted by the authors to measure student satisfaction with the online portal On-Demand University Services (ODUS Plus). In addition to recommendations suggested by the 2018 analysis such as balancing the load distribution of the university’s network, organizational (i.e., non-technical) solutions, rules, and regulations were adjusted such as progressive course registration that prioritized those expected to graduate first. The survey and analysis were repeated by the authors in 2020 to assess improvements in student satisfaction. As a result of the changes, the investigation revealed improved student satisfaction with the performance of ODUS Plus and network access. Overall, students were significantly more satisfied in 2020 than in 2018. This research shows that some technical challenges can be resolved using re-engineered processes and organizational solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

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31 pages, 1362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deploying Big Data Enablers to Strengthen Supply Chain Agility to Mitigate Bullwhip Effect: An Empirical Study of China’s Electronic Manufacturers

by Chih-Hung Hsu, Xue-Hua Yang, Ting-Yi Zhang, An-Yuan Chang and Qing-Wen Zheng

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2021, 16(7), 3375-3405; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer16070183 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4440

Abstract

With the development of economic globalization, the uncertainty of supply chains is also increasing, and alleviating the bullwhip effect has become an important issue. From previous discussions on alleviating the bullwhip effect, there was no research on alleviating it by enhancing supply chain agility through improving big data. Moreover, it has not been found that quality function deployment is used to analyze the interdependence between big data and supply chain agility, as well as between supply chain agility and the bullwhip effect. In particular, the interaction of bullwhip effect factors are not considered. In this study, the multicriteria decision-making integrated framework is proposed and the largest relay manufacturer in China is taken to identify key big data enablers to enhance supply chain agility and mitigate the bullwhip effect, thus providing an effective method for electronic equipment manufacturing enterprises to develop a supply chain that can quickly respond to changes and uncertainties. These big data enablers can enhance supply chain agility and reduce the bullwhip effect. This framework provides an effective method for electronic manufacturers to formulate supply chain agility indicators and big data enablers to mitigate the bullwhip effect and also provides a reference for other manufacturing enterprises in supply chain management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

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16 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Open Innovation Competence for a Future-Proof Workforce: A Comparative Study from Four European Universities

by Marita McPhillips and Magdalena Licznerska

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2021, 16(6), 2442-2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer16060134 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2837

Abstract

Digital transformation is a key driving force of open innovation to capture and transfer knowledge inside and outside of a company’s bounds. New challenges in organizing multiple knowledge flows imply the need for increased competences related to this paradigm of future employees. In this article, we organize and aggregate the competencies required for open innovation collaboration and develop a competence profile that organizes individual competencies in an open innovation context. Based on elements of the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework, we delineate an OI Competence Profile and list the core competencies to manage and accelerate the inflow and outflow of knowledge. We explore this profile by comparing data from 2332 students from four European universities to find differences in the distribution of OI competencies between countries. The study contributes to understanding the individual competencies that target the future OI needs of companies necessary in the context of digital transformation. It also introduces an interdisciplinary approach to integrate the research streams of management practice, open innovation, and entrepreneurial education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

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Other

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29 pages, 1594 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Fintechs and Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

by Jorge Tello-Gamarra, Diogo Campos-Teixeira, André Andrade Longaray, João Reis and Martin Hernani-Merino

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2022, 17(2), 722-750; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer17020038 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5299

Abstract

The growth of fintechs has exponentially modified the international financial system. These changes affect social mechanisms that regulate the performance of economic agents, generating the need to modify the current role played by institutions. Despite the clear relationship that exists between fintechs and institutions, studies exploring the details of this relationship are still scarce. The objective of this article is to propose a review and analysis of the current state of research on fintechs and institutions. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review was conducted, with the selection and analysis of 123 documents published which were based on preestablished inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main results show the development of a framework that allows us to increase our understanding of fintechs and institutions; the identification of three propositions that serve as a guide to the institutional landscape in which fintechs operate; and finally the recognition of a research agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Developments of Digitalization Transformation and innovation in Businesses)

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