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Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability
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Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 15130

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kutoma Wakunuma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Gateway House, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
Interests: sustainable development; digital technologies for development; ethics; responsible research and innovation; artificial intelligence
Dr. Damian Okaibedi Eke

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Computer Science, Computer Science Building, Wollaton Rd, Lenton, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK
Interests: green computing; smart cities and sustainability; digital inclusion; ICT4D; ethics of emerging technologies; AI policy and regulation; responsible data governance
Dr. Kehinde Aruleba

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
Interests: technology-enhanced learning; smart learning; programming education; computational thinking; generative AI application in education

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To achieve their corporate sustainability goals, business leaders are increasingly adopting digital technologies to align their business practices with environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals. This idea of sustainability is a key principle of technology ethics which emphasises the responsible use of technologies to ensure that their design and deployment align with corporate sustainability goals. It is an acknowledgement that digital technologies have far-reaching effects in the world, and it is critically essential to consider these impacts throughout the entire lifecycle of the technology. From minimising environmental impact (green design, reduction of e-waste), balancing economic benefit and responsibility, equitable access, inclusion, and technological dependency to issues of accountability, and other societal impacts, there are many aspects of sustainability that need consideration in the design, development and deployment of digital technologies. This Special Issue aims to explore the intricate relationship between digital technologies and sustainability; their potential to drive positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes; delving into issues such as  inclusion, engagement, responsiveness, and responsibility. It will cover topics bordering on green computing, smart cities and urban sustainability, digital inclusion and equity, data privacy and security in sustainability contexts, and collaborative efforts and platforms for sustainability. These topics are not exhaustive, and other topics aligned to the Special Issue are welcome. The general question to be addressed is ‘How can society ensure digital technologies are designed and used responsibly to ensure sustainability in business which will lead and contribute to sustainable development?

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Kutoma Wakunuma
Dr. Damian Okaibedi Eke
Dr. Kehinde Aruleba
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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • sustainable development
  • sustainability
  • digital technologies
  • responsible innovation
  • artificial intelligence
  • ethics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1096 KiB  
Article
The Influence of External Market Drivers on Global Value Chain Participation in Saudi Arabia: The Mediating Role of Technological Advancements
by Mazen Mohammed Farea and Abdullah A. Aljofi
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3946; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093946 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
In today’s interconnected economy, participation in global value chains (GVCs) has become essential for firms seeking international competitiveness and economic sustainability. This is particularly relevant for emerging economies like Saudi Arabia that are pursuing economic diversification strategies. However, the relationship between external market [...] Read more.
In today’s interconnected economy, participation in global value chains (GVCs) has become essential for firms seeking international competitiveness and economic sustainability. This is particularly relevant for emerging economies like Saudi Arabia that are pursuing economic diversification strategies. However, the relationship between external market conditions and global trade integration remains unclear, especially regarding how technological advancement influences this relationship. This study investigates how technological progress mediates the effect of external market drivers—including economic stability, regulatory compliance, technological resources, cultural adaptation, and environmental policies—on GVC participation in Saudi Arabia. Using a quantitative approach, we collected survey data from 178 key decision makers and leaders across multiple sectors involved in strategic innovation and global market integration. Analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed that external market drivers significantly influence GVC participation (β = 0.739, p < 0.01), with technological advancement playing a substantial mediating role (β = 0.460, p < 0.01). Environmental policies and technological resources demonstrated direct effects on GVC participation, while regulatory compliance was fully mediated by technological advancement. These findings contribute to understanding how digital transformation enables trade integration in emerging economies. The results provide practical insights for policymakers and business leaders, highlighting the importance of investing in digital infrastructure and technology-enabled trade facilitation to enhance global competitiveness in an increasingly digital trade environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability)
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29 pages, 1659 KiB  
Article
The Role of Online Banking Service Clues in Enhancing Individual and Corporate Customers’ Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Customer Experience as a Corporate Social Responsibility
by Suzan Dağaşaner and Ayşe Gözde Karaatmaca
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3457; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083457 - 13 Apr 2025
Viewed by 511
Abstract
Online banking services have emerged as pivotal drivers of customer satisfaction and sustainable development. However, the mediating role of customer experience in linking online banking service clues to satisfaction remains underexplored. Grounded in Haeckel’s model, this study examines how functional (technical execution), mechanic [...] Read more.
Online banking services have emerged as pivotal drivers of customer satisfaction and sustainable development. However, the mediating role of customer experience in linking online banking service clues to satisfaction remains underexplored. Grounded in Haeckel’s model, this study examines how functional (technical execution), mechanic (interface usability), and humanic (behavioral interactions) service clues shape satisfaction among 400 individual and corporate online banking users in Northern Cyprus, analyzed via Structural Equation Modelling. By framing age and occupation as proxies for risk aversion and post-crisis distrust—key barriers in Cyprus’s banking sector—this study advances regionally tailored strategies for sustainable digital adoption. The results reveal functional clues positively impacted satisfaction only for individual customers, while mechanic clues enhanced satisfaction across both groups, contributing to sustainable development. Humanic clues showed no significant effect. Although online service clues improved overall customer experience, a key corporate social responsibility, this experience did not mediate the clue–satisfaction relationship. Demographic factors (e.g., age, user type) moderated these dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing mechanic and functional clues in digital banking interfaces to bolster satisfaction and align with sustainable development goals. This study advances Haeckel’s theory in digital contexts and offers actionable insights for banks seeking to balance technological innovation with customer centricity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability)
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20 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
Digitalization, Sustainability, and Radical Innovation: A Knowledge-Based Approach
by Ali Erbey, Cemil Gündüz and Üzeyir Fidan
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 2972; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072972 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 463
Abstract
This study investigates the interplay between digitalization capability, environmental sustainability perception, and radical innovation performance with a particular focus on the mediating roles of knowledge integration capability and knowledge accumulation. The study utilizes Structural Equation Modeling and the Hayes PROCESS Model to analyze [...] Read more.
This study investigates the interplay between digitalization capability, environmental sustainability perception, and radical innovation performance with a particular focus on the mediating roles of knowledge integration capability and knowledge accumulation. The study utilizes Structural Equation Modeling and the Hayes PROCESS Model to analyze data from 315 firms in technology-driven industries. The findings reveal that digitalization capability significantly enhances radical innovation performance (β = 0.767, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.589), while environmental sustainability perception does not directly influence innovation performance nor mediate its relationship with digitalization. However, knowledge integration capability and knowledge accumulation emerge as critical enablers, strengthening the effect of digitalization on innovation outcomes. Moreover, knowledge integration capability positively moderates the digitalization capability–radical innovation performance relationship, demonstrating that firms with higher knowledge integration capability derive greater innovation benefits from digital transformation. In contrast, environmental sustainability perception does not moderate this relationship, suggesting that sustainability perception alone is insufficient to drive radical innovation. The findings provide insights for firms leveraging digitalization to drive innovation and efficiency. Knowledge integration and accumulation are key to sustaining competitive advantage. These results contribute to the literature on digital transformation, innovation management, and sustainability, highlighting the necessity of knowledge-driven mechanisms in leveraging digitalization for innovation success. This study offers valuable managerial insights by highlighting the strategic significance of knowledge integration and accumulation in enhancing the effectiveness of digital transformation on innovation performance. Future research should explore longitudinal dynamics, sectoral variations, and additional moderating factors such as digital leadership and organizational culture to deepen the understanding of this evolving field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability)
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20 pages, 910 KiB  
Article
The Digital Economy and Real Economy: The Dynamic Interaction Effect and the Coupling Coordination Degree
by Zhaozhi Wang, Shoufu Lin, Yang Chen, Oleksii Lyulyov and Tetyana Pimonenko
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135769 - 6 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
This article aims to analyze the interplay between the digital economy (DE) and the real economy (RE), examining how they impact each other in terms of empowerment and supply effects. The study object is China from 2011 to 2021. This study applies the [...] Read more.
This article aims to analyze the interplay between the digital economy (DE) and the real economy (RE), examining how they impact each other in terms of empowerment and supply effects. The study object is China from 2011 to 2021. This study applies the panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR). The study’s findings underscore a delayed empowerment effect within the DE. While DE growth has the potential to substantially enhance the future overall expansion of the tangible economy, it might concurrently dampen the short-term structural balance of the latter. However, the supply effect in the RE mode exhibits a similar delay. The time-lagged factors relating to the tangible economy’s total growth and structural fine-tuning play a pivotal role in fostering the progress of DE. Self-enhancement mechanisms significantly influence the overall growth of the tangible economy. However, this mechanism does not have the same significance in regard to enhancing structural coordination. Although the tangible economy’s expansion can catalyze structural refinement, the inverse relationship—where structural enhancement profoundly fuels tangible economic growth—does not hold true to a substantial extent. By assessing the overall degree of coupling and coordination between the DE and the tangible economy, it becomes apparent that these two domains are not tightly integrated. Instead, they exist in a fundamentally coordinated state, with a year-on-year upwards trend in their alignment, albeit at a modest pace. Furthermore, this coupling coordination degree displays a progressively diminishing trend from the southeastern coastal regions to the western interior, revealing a pronounced spatial imbalance. The contribution of this paper lies in its comprehensive enhancement of the theoretical framework and empirical research in the integration of energy and digital economy, addressing sustainable development, regional economic disparities, and practical policy implications to support future strategies for blending digital advancement with renewable energy utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability)
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31 pages, 2106 KiB  
Article
The Role of Digital Transformation, Corporate Culture, and Leadership in Enhancing Corporate Sustainable Performance in the Manufacturing Sector of China
by Muhammad Asif, Liu Yang and Muhammad Hashim
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072651 - 23 Mar 2024
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8454
Abstract
The Chinese manufacturing industry faces many challenges to sustainable development. This study examines how transformational leadership, corporate culture, and digital transformation affect Chinese manufacturing organizations’ sustainability. It will also examine the moderating role of environmental dynamism and the mediating effect of innovation capabilities. [...] Read more.
The Chinese manufacturing industry faces many challenges to sustainable development. This study examines how transformational leadership, corporate culture, and digital transformation affect Chinese manufacturing organizations’ sustainability. It will also examine the moderating role of environmental dynamism and the mediating effect of innovation capabilities. A self-administered survey was distributed to 350 manufacturing companies’ owners, managers, leaders, and employees, etc. Participants were selected via convenient sampling. This data collection effort validated findings and empirically tested theories. Smart PLS structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), quantitative research, and cross-research are used in this study. The findings suggest that corporate culture, transformational leadership, and digital transformation significantly affect organizations’ sustainability. Innovation capability does not affect the relationship between corporate culture and sustainability. However, it mediates the relationship between transformational leadership, digital transformation, and business sustainability. Innovation capabilities and business sustainability performance are moderated by environmental dynamism. This study contributes to sustainable corporate performance theory by showing managers how transformational leadership, digital transformation, and corporate culture can help manufacturing companies grow indefinitely. The findings have major implications for China, a highly industrialized nation. This study could benefit regulatory authorities, academic institutions, industry, government agencies, and researchers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability)
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19 pages, 1074 KiB  
Article
Industry 4.0—Premise for Sustainability: Implementation Degree in Manufacturing Companies from Romania
by Cristina Gavrus, Ioana Mădălina Petre and Luminița Pârv
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020807 - 17 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1788
Abstract
Industry 4.0 cannot be understood without sustainable development, being an essential condition for ensuring market success, economic growth, and minimal environmental impact. Considering the increase in interest for applying Industry 4.0 principles by industrial companies, the aim of this paper is to find [...] Read more.
Industry 4.0 cannot be understood without sustainable development, being an essential condition for ensuring market success, economic growth, and minimal environmental impact. Considering the increase in interest for applying Industry 4.0 principles by industrial companies, the aim of this paper is to find the degree and benefits of implementing the new technologies by manufacturing engineering companies from Romania. The research methodology proposes testing the opinion of top managers regarding certain Industry 4.0 issues. Data processing and analysis was conducted by means of SPSS software. The obtained results revealed that industrial companies from Romania show quite a high interest in developing all the processes from a company regarding the entire process flow, from client order to product delivery. Moreover, small and micro companies that participated in this study have recorded notable scores in respect to implementing the principles of Industry 4.0, considering their flexibility and the communication among employees, which is more efficient than in case of large and medium companies. We concluded that this study facilitates an understanding of the degree of implementing Industry 4.0 principles by Romanian manufacturing companies that stands at the base of sustainable development of businesses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies for Business Sustainability)
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