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Modelling the Asymmetrical Relationships between Digitalisation and Sustainable Competitiveness: A Cross-Country Configurational Analysis

Author

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  • Mohammad Soltani Delgosha

    (University of the West of England)

  • Tahereh Saheb

    (Tarbiat Modares University)

  • Nastaran Hajiheydari

    (Sheffield University Management School)

Abstract

Sustainable competitiveness (SC) encourages nations not only to meet the needs of the current generation but also to sustain or even expand national wealth in the future without depleting natural and social capital. Drawing on complexity theory, we used a configurational approach to identify under what necessary and sufficient conditions, digitalisation contributes to achieve higher SC. Shifting attention from net effects to configuration analysis improves our understanding of cross-national differences in sustainability by exploring how the digitalisation factors combine to strengthen SC power across countries. To address the complexity of this configuration, we have incorporated fsQCA and NCA techniques in the modelling of high and low levels of sustainable competitiveness recipes. Analysis of data from 127 countries advanced our perception of how access to ICT infrastructures and capabilities, combined with the adoption and usage of ICT could result in different degrees of sustainable competitiveness. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature on digitalisation and national sustainability; and it can practically act as a guideline for policymakers to understand the complex interactions and causal configurations of digitalisation factors on sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Soltani Delgosha & Tahereh Saheb & Nastaran Hajiheydari, 2021. "Modelling the Asymmetrical Relationships between Digitalisation and Sustainable Competitiveness: A Cross-Country Configurational Analysis," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 23(5), pages 1317-1337, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:23:y:2021:i:5:d:10.1007_s10796-020-10029-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-020-10029-0
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    2. Jan Dul & Sven Hauff & Ricarda B. Bouncken, 2023. "Necessary condition analysis (NCA): review of research topics and guidelines for good practice," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 683-714, February.
    3. Tekic, Zeljko & Tekic, Anja, 2024. "Complex patterns of ICTs' effect on sustainable development at the national level: The triple bottom line perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    4. Gheorghe Hurduzeu & Iulia Lupu & Radu Lupu & Radu Ion Filip, 2022. "The Interplay between Digitalization and Competitiveness: Evidence from European Countries," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-12, November.

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