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Digital Transformation and the New Normal in China: How Can Enterprises Use Digital Technologies to Respond to COVID-19?

Author

Listed:
  • Ching-Hung Lee

    (School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China)

  • Dianni Wang

    (School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China)

  • Kevin C. Desouza

    (QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia)

  • Richard Evans

    (Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, a worldwide health and humanitarian crisis, has created unique challenges for citizens, governments, and organizations alike. Business leaders ask ‘what is the new normal, post-pandemic?’ while industries become more complex and uncertain. Premises sit empty, employees work remotely, and customers possess less disposable income. However bleak, opportunities do exist. Organizations will, however, need to transform. Technology will need to be used to respond to the pandemic, and organizations must re-structure to better function. This paper examines the role that digital technologies can play in responding to pandemics and outlines four classifications of digital technologies for pandemic response. An as-is/to-be pathway analysis is presented using case studies from Chinese enterprises to provide trajectory guidance for moving forward to the new normal. After analysis from an incorporated technology-centric and business model-based framework perspective, six fundamental enterprise strategies are presented that are derived from literature and empirical observations.

Suggested Citation

  • Ching-Hung Lee & Dianni Wang & Kevin C. Desouza & Richard Evans, 2021. "Digital Transformation and the New Normal in China: How Can Enterprises Use Digital Technologies to Respond to COVID-19?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10195-:d:634098
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jakub Marcinkowski, 2022. "Humanitarian Actors’ Cooperation Network in the Social Sustainability Context. Evidence from Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Issam A. R. Moghrabi & Sameer Ahmad Bhat & Piotr Szczuko & Rawan A. AlKhaled & Muneer Ahmad Dar, 2023. "Digital Transformation and Its Influence on Sustainable Manufacturing and Business Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-35, February.
    3. Shuke Fu & Jiabei Liu & Jiali Tian & Jiachao Peng & Chuyue Wu, 2023. "Impact of Digital Economy on Energy Supply Chain Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese Energy Enterprises," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-21, January.
    4. Xiao Han & Yang Zheng, 2022. "Driving Elements of Enterprise Digital Transformation Based on the Perspective of Dynamic Evolution," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.

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