Corporate Sustainability: Assessing Digital Transformation Readiness In Various Industries

Abstract

This study examines the essential role of innovative approaches in enhancing business sustainability, focusing on how technology and digital transformation can manage growing data volumes, reduce energy consumption, and improve organisational performance. As digital technologies rapidly evolve, companies must adapt their policies and practices, often facing an adaptation crisis that requires social and institutional changes. Effective management of digital transformation calls for new corporate policies and structuring. Research indicates that many organisations struggle with digital transformation due to a lack of awareness of their current digital capabilities and unclear guidelines for adopting new technologies. Using the Network Readiness Index (NRI), this study assesses firms' readiness to leverage digital technologies across various dimensions, including technology, human resources, governance, and impact. The result of regression analysis emphasises the prominent effect of the people factor on technology. Through semi-structured interviews, a comparative analysis with index scores reveals that while digitalisation is seen as a cost-saving tool, its adoption varies widely across sectors. To address potential negative impacts of digitalisation on employee well-being, the study recommends policies to monitor screen time, encourage offline activities, and design ergonomic digital workspaces. By promoting healthier digital practices, organisations can improve employee well-being and effectively use digital tools, ultimately enhancing competitiveness in a dynamic landscape.