Aug 2026· Digital Society· Vol 5· 0 citations· 23 references
TL;DR
It is argued that because society is being radically reconfigured, humanity must intentionally design this transfiguration to align infrastructure and governance with human values, rather than blindly inheriting the permanent consequences of unplanned disruption.
Abstract
Digital transformation has moved beyond industrial efficiency to become a holistic integration of technology that fundamentally impacts the fabric of society. This editorial introduces a Topical Collection of 15 papers that explore this shift through a Unified Model of Digital Penetration, which posits that society is undergoing a “transfiguration”, a fundamental change in lifestyle and human existence. The model provides a theoretical framework connecting Enabling Infrastructure and Governance with industrial Value Creation and societal Value Consumption. Synthesis of the research across this collection, validates the Unified Model and also identifies critical gaps, including a lack of technical “connective tissue” for global interoperability and the neglected sociological impact on “analog citizens” who remain outside the digital ecosystem. Ultimately, this editorial argues that because society is being radically reconfigured, humanity must intentionally design this transfiguration to align infrastructure and governance with human values, rather than blindly inheriting the permanent consequences of unplanned disruption.
This systematic literature review explores the digital transformation (DT) landscape in university libraries between 2016 and 2026. It shows a shift in focus from technology to more important socio-institutional factors. A global review of 31 studies suggests that despite the widespread introduction of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, the successful implementation of these technologies is still hampered by financial constraints, low digital competencies of staff and deficiencies in the institutional policy framework. It was also found that there are significant differences between developed and developing countries. For example, basic infrastructure such as power supplies that are not reliable and broadband access are problems for developing countries. The findings show that the whole sociotechnical context is important in the digital transition, including adaptive leadership, continuous professional development, and more legal and moral oversight to ensure long-term success.
Abdul Zhafir Abdul Rashid, Muhammad Aiman Zulkifli, Mohd Razilan Abdul Kadir· International journal of res...· 0 citations
This research analyzes the fundamental transformation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies in the context of Industry 4.0 and the implementation of the European regulatory framework (CSRD/ESRS). The study explores the transition from traditional, unilateral communication paradigms— categorized as sensegiving—toward collaborative, networked models defined as CSR 4.0. In this new paradigm, businesses and communities engage in participatory sensemaking to co-construct social value and systemic resilience. Utilizing a qualitative methodology based on directed content analysis, the research examines how the digitalization of the Triple Bottom Line model addresses structural gaps such as Romania’s digital paradox. The analysis demonstrates that within the current regulatory landscape, Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) has evolved from a voluntary ethical framework into a critical prerequisite for organizational legitimacy. Consequently, non-financial reporting is repositioned as a strategic instrument for building trust and ensuring long-term institutional viability in a hyper-connected era.
M. Ursu· The Annals of the University...· 0 citations
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it is crucial to keep track of the progress of digital transformation and its impact on marginalized communities. This study examines Icelandic governmental digital policies through historical discourse analysis, exploring the ways in which digital transformation initiatives are conceptualized within a neoliberal rationality that emphasizes efficiency, competitiveness, and individuality and how this aligns with the rights and needs of disabled people. The analysis reveals that digital policies lack inclusivity and discussion on equitable access. The policies operate within the historical conjuncture of ableism, neoliberal rationality, and human rights, where human rights are subordinate. This highlights significant challenges in incorporating a commitment to human rights within digital transformation, which frequently falls short of addressing the rights and needs of disabled people.
Inga Björk Margrétar Bjarnadóttir, I. A. Jóhannesson, L. Löve· International Journal of Dis...· 0 citations
Digital transformation (DT) has emerged as a pervasive force reshaping business models, organizational processes, and societal systems through technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, Internet of Things, big data analytics, and blockchain. This study examines the multidimensional impact of DT on business performance and societal development using an integrated analytical framework encompassing technological, organizational, behavioral, and socio-economic perspectives. Drawing on systematic literature review, comparative case analysis, and theoretical modeling, the paper identifies key drivers of DT, including technological innovation, competitive dynamics, regulatory pressures, globalization, and pandemic-induced digital acceleration. Findings reveal that digitally mature organizations demonstrate superior productivity, innovation speed, resilience, and customer satisfaction compared to traditional firms. At the societal level, digital ecosystems enhance service accessibility, transparency, civic participation, and economic competitiveness. However, challenges related to cybersecurity, ethical governance, digital inequality, workforce disruption, and sustainability remain critical. The study concludes that digital transformation represents a holistic redesign of business and social systems rather than a purely technological upgrade.
Bharad waj, Menaka Nayak· International Journal of Eme...· 0 citations
. Digital innovations associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), have significantly transformed societies and economies. These technologies offer opportunities for economic diversification, job creation, digital transformation, local value addition, and reduced inequality. This paper argues that Africa’s effective participation in the 4IR depends not only on adopting technology but also on strong governance, sound regulatory frameworks, strategic policy implementation, cross-sector collaboration, targeted investment, and skills development. Drawing on professional experience within Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, including involvement in national ICT and AI strategy working groups, the study examines key drivers of digital innovation. The findings reveal that while advocacy and policy development are important, they are insufficient without context-specific and adaptive implementation frameworks. The paper highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches to assess the impact of emerging technologies. It concludes that scalable innovation, effective governance, and practical implementation mechanisms are essential for positioning Africa as a competitive and sustainable digital economy.
Stella Gichuhi-Karau· Proceedings of the 1st Afric...· 0 citations
Purpose:
Despite the growing convergence of digital transformation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), existing research remains fragmented and lacks a theoretically grounded explanation of how digital innovations systematically drive meaningful social change. This study addresses this gap by developing a Digital CSR Transformation Framework (DCTF) that explains how digital technologies enhance CSR effectiveness through greater transparency, stakeholder integration, and scalable impact.
Methodology:
The research is a theory-based narrative review, which incorporates the knowledge in the CSR, digital transformation, and sustainability literature. Relying on the stakeholder theory and digital innovation viewpoint, the paper integrates the existing literature to create a conceptual framework of how digital technologies redefine CSR practices.
Findings:
The study identifies three core mechanisms through which digital innovation transforms CSR: (1) data-driven transparency, (2) digitally enabled stakeholder engagement, and (3) scalable social impact models. All these mechanisms reposition CSR as a dynamic value creation process that is not based on compliance. However, the results also reflect on the structural tensions associated with digital inequality, ethical risks, and governance constraints.
Research Limitations:
As a narrative review, this study lacks empirical validation of the proposed framework. Implying the Digital CSR Transformation Framework (DCTF), future research must test the framework in various industries and institutional situations.
Practical Implications:
The framework offers a systematic way of incorporating digital technologies into CSR strategies for managers so that the social impact can be more measurable, transparent, and scalable.
Social Implications:
Though digital innovations can potentially democratize CSR and accelerate the attainment of the goals of sustainability, the absence of digital accessibility adds to the threat of inequality that reinforces existing social disparities.
Value:
This study contributes in three aspects:
1. introduces a new integrative framework (DCTF),
2. offers a synthesis of CSR and digital innovation literature based on a theory, and
3. transforms the discussion of technology adoption to technology-enabled social value creation.
Dr Raziur Chowdhury, Mohammad Mahbubul Haque· International Journal For Mu...· 0 citations