Digitalisation, E-commerce and Sustainability as Drivers of Economic Growth: Evidence from V4 Countries

Abstract

Abstract Digitalisation has emerged as a primary catalyst for economic structural change, fundamentally altering production logic, market dynamics, and consumer patterns. Central to this shift is the rapid expansion of electronic commerce, which, while driving growth, necessitates a critical re-evaluation of resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. Consequently, the intersection of digital adoption, e-commerce, and circular economy principles is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable development. While current literature generally acknowledges that digital tools and e-commerce boost productivity and innovation, these elements are frequently analyzed in isolation. Empirical evidence detailing their interdependencies remains scarce—particularly at the regional level within Central European economies. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationships between e-commerce indicators, circular economy practices, and economic growth across the Visegrad Group. Utilizing secondary data from official statistical sources (2013–2023), the research employs correlation analysis to test these linkages. The findings reveal statistically significant and robust positive correlations between all three dimensions across the V4 countries. Such results suggest that e-commerce does more than just enhance market performance; it actively reinforces circular economic processes. By providing this empirical grounding, the paper offers new insights into how digitalisation and sustainability agendas converge, serving as a resource for policymakers and researchers focused on the V4 region’s sustainable trajectory.