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Digitalization becomes a key strategy for the success of businesses, which in today's critical times, are under remarkable pressures and diffused uncertainty. The rapid pace of digitization is forcing deep changes in the modus operandi of organizations. This phenomenon is even more so true for accounting organizations considering that, by implementing blockchain, RPA, cloud, big data, cybersecurity, and AI, accountants might have the most digitized workplace of all. The purpose of this paper is to explore how these emergent technologies are contributing to the digital transformation of accounting firms. Based on a qualitative approach, the methodology consists of a thematic analysis of the academic literature to reveal the synergic effect of the most disruptive emergent technologies for accountancy firms. In addition to the topic of research, the originality of this study is ensured by the fact that it presents both technical and conceptual information, easily digestible for academicians and practitioners skilled in the ICT field, or not. The paper is intended to be a building brick for the literature related to this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crafts sector, traditionally characterized by its adherence to heritage and small-scale familial enterprises, confronts an array of unprecedented challenges stemming from rapid technological advancement, globalization, climate change, and shifting demographics. This article presents a pioneering investigation into the profound and transformative effects of digitalization on the crafts sector, offering novel insights into the future trajectory of this industry. Through an explorative approach, we critically examine and interrogate the social imaginary underpinning the crafts sector, shedding light on the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation. Leveraging an inter- and transdisciplinary framework, our research brings together academics, experts, and practitioners from diverse regions in Italy and Austria to explore the nexus of digitalization and craft futures. We introduce three future scenarios for the crafts sector, each delineating varying degrees of digitalization and their potential implications. Employing a mixed-method approach encompassing expert interviews, a Delphi survey, focus groups, and scenario development, our study offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted landscape of craft futures. Furthermore, through the visualization of these scenarios, we provide a tangible platform for envisioning and engaging with the myriad possibilities that lie ahead. By synthesizing innovative methodologies from future studies and social imaginaries with a specific focus on the crafts sector, our research offers a robust analytical framework for navigating the complex dynamics of digitalization and envisioning transformative futures. This paper not only illuminates the disruptive forces unleashed by digitalization but also provides strategic insights to inform future decision-making processes within the crafts sector and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to identify the dynamic capabilities required for electrical energy service providers to transform toward a digital and platform-based business models in the context of the current energy transition. The paper contributes to two fields: Information systems in the domain of platforms ecosystems and digital services innovation through the usage of dynamic capabilities theoretical lens and the field of energy informatics in the domain of digital business models and service innovation. Through the case study approach we investigate the case of Norwegian electrical energy provider TrønderEnergi and how the company is moving toward a fully digital business model and how the company build the dynamic capabilities required for the digitalization era. Through semi-structured interviews, the study managed to identify several activities related to each capability and then classified these activities under three main activities, which are: sensing, seizing, and transforming, and then classified them into sub-capabilities and identified activities related to each sup capability. The paper concludes with managerial implications for practitioners and initiates an empirical extension for the dynamic capabilities theoretical lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation is a phenomenon introduced by the transformative power of digital technologies, and it has become a key driver for the energy sector, with advancements in technology leading to significant changes in the way energy is produced, transmitted, and consumed. The impact of digital transformation on the energy sector is profound, with benefits such as improved efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced customer experience. This article provides a review of the impact of digital transformation on the energy sector, highlighting key trends and emerging technologies that are transforming the sector. The article begins by defining the concept of digital transformation, describing its scope, and explaining two conceptual frameworks to provide a deep understanding of the concept. This article then explores the benefits of digital transformation, examines its impact, and identifies its enablers and barriers. Each source examined was analyzed to extract qualitative results and assess its contribution to the researched topic. This paper also acknowledges the challenges posed by digital transformation, including concerns about cybersecurity, data privacy, and workforce displacement. Finally, we discuss the potential developments that are expected in the future of digital transformation in the power sector and conclude that digital transformation has the potential to significantly improve the energy sector's efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization has become a watchword in all areas of economic and social activity, and its integration has become a necessity for every state worldwide. If a few years ago we were talking about technological innovation and cutting-edge technologies we are now talking about digital technologies, robotics, big data, and artificial intelligence, and future industrial production will develop in symbiosis with modern information and communication technology. The paper aims to show the impact of digitalization on macroeconomic indicators, including labor productivity, value-added, and value of exports of goods and services, and in this regard, we have built an econometric model to see how digitalization and the evolution of macroeconomic indicators work, and how they will influence the degree of growth and economic development. The research results verify the hypotheses we started from, namely that there is a positive and strong correlation between digitalization and productivity, as well as between digitalization and value-added, and that there is a positive, yet weaker correlation between digitization and exports. The impact of digitalization on macroeconomic indicators extends beyond the theoretical and practical implications, as they influence both the decision-making process of the companies' management and national and European economic policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Within highly complex supply chain networks, driven by the trend of digitalization, supply chain relationship management becomes one of the central enablers in increasing supply chain performance. While the influences of globalization and digitalization on the supply chains are increasing, the power allocation within several markets is centralized to a small number of companies. The objective of this paper is to investigate the research gap concerning the impact of power asymmetries on the supply chain, in addition to the trend of digitalization. Methods: A literature review on power, in the research area of supply chain management and logistics, is used to synthesize the current state of the art in this research field and to provide a comprehensive definition of the concept of power. Conclusions: While this paper provides an overview of the impact of power allocations, according to supply chain digitalization and in the present research of supply chain management, it also develops a definition of Power in Supply Chain Management in general. Linked to this definition, this research elaborates on the research gap between power allocations and the digitalization of the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the knowledge management approach of the firm has emerged as the central theoretical perspective intended to address the question of adaptation to technological change. As for theoretical and practical implications, we proposed a comprehensive model that provides an integrative outlook on how the relationships between digitalization and knowledge management strategy predetermine the business results of the firm. To this purpose, we empirically analyzed the effect of digitalization on knowledge management, and how this contributes to the improvement of the company's results in the IT, technology, consulting, and programming sectors by testing the hypotheses through the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach to Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A group of 620 companies was targeted for collecting the data by quantitative means of analysis—a questionnaire. The final sample was composed of 78 companies, which corresponds to 12.58% (response rate). The research findings offer an explicit foundation, on which to base future research efforts in evaluating the ways companies should approach digital transformation, strengthen the knowledge management role in this process, develop the digital and innovation capabilities, and finally, ameliorate the effects on business performance, what also represents a certain value for the executives or individuals in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the problem statement and objective by exploring the necessity, scope, and execution of digital transformation in the oil and gas industry from a psychological perspective. It highlights the cognitive barriers faced by non-ICT professionals, which are often overlooked in traditional approaches. The study integrates case studies and empirical evidence from a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with industry experts and quantitative surveys among employees, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transformation process. The research emphasizes the integration of psychological theories with practical digital transformation strategies, illustrating key obstacles and solutions. By adopting a holistic approach that incorporates both technological advancements and psychological insights, the study aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of digital transformation efforts. Major contributions include identifying cognitive barriers, proposing solutions to overcome these barriers, and presenting real-world applications that demonstrate the successful merging of psychological insights and digital strategies in the oil and gas sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The study's findings indicate the positive outcomes of digital citizenship, while also exposing domains that fail to enhance innovativeness and problem-solving capabilities, with digital transformation enablers serving as a mediating factor. Doing business in the age of information abundance indicates the importance of developing information management skills, enabling the individuals to be more productive but also more flexible to changes. In literature, innovation, as a driver of a firm's performance, has been highlighted, while problem-solving capabilities are considered one of the key assumptions for the implementation of digital transformation strategy. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of digital citizenship and digital transformation enablers on innovation and problem-solving capabilities. The data collection procedure commenced by selecting a random sample of private companies from various industries A survey was carried out, and a total sample of 247 valid questionnaires were collected. The PLS-SEM method was used to test the relationships in the proposed model. The study found that some elements of digital citizenship are positively associated with digital transformation enablers. The results of the study confirmed that technology-based digital transformation enablers positively contribute to innovation and problem-solving capabilities. Also, technological facets of digital transformation enablers realize a mediating role in the relationship between digital citizenship and innovation, as well as with problem-solving capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous researchers have examined the motivations of developers to participate in hackathons events and the challenges of open data hackathons, but limited studies have focused on the preparation and evaluation of these contests. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine factors that lead to the effective implementation and success of open data hackathons and innovation contests. Six case studies of open data hackathons and innovation contests held between 2014 and 2018 in Thessaloniki were studied in order to identify the factors leading to the success of hackathon contests using criteria from the existing literature. The results show that the most significant factors were clear problem definition, mentors' participation to the contest, level of support to participants by mentors in order to launch their applications to the market, jury members' knowledge and experience, the entry requirements of the competition, and the participation of companies, data providers, and academics. Furthermore, organizers should take team members' competences and skills, as well as the support of post-launch activities for applications, into consideration. This paper can be of interest to organizers of hackathon events because they could be knowledgeable about the factors that should take into consideration for the successful implementation of these events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid digital transformation and the imperative for sustainable practices have made it crucial for Chinese manufacturing enterprises to adapt and achieve green product innovation by effectively utilizing digital technologies. This study takes a resource-based perspective from strategic management and develops a chain mediation model to examine how Chinese manufacturing enterprises can achieve green product innovation through digital empowerment. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 229 managers, and a multiple mediation model was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings highlight that a higher level of digital business intensity positively influences green product innovation, with resource integration playing a significant mediating role. However, the mediating effect of resource reconfiguration is found to be non-significant. Furthermore, there exists a sequential chain mediation effect of resource integration and resource reconfiguration in the relationship between digital business intensity and green product innovation. To ensure successful green product innovation, Chinese manufacturing enterprises need to focus on accumulating R&D experience and knowledge through resource integration, enabling them to identify latent market demand and develop corresponding green products. This approach facilitates an organic fusion of incremental and breakthrough innovation. The study contributes to the advancement of management paradigms driven by digitalization and the theory of green product innovation, offering valuable insights for Chinese manufacturing enterprises seeking to achieve green innovation through the effective utilization of digital technologies. Additionally, it provides practical implications for enhancing the adaptability of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to market demand and promoting the adoption of "dual carbon" practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New digital Industry 4.0 solutions and smart applications are being adopted in many industries, also in the most advanced ports in the world. Still, it is not clear in which directions digitalization in ports will develop in the future. Building on the research literature and the state-of-the-art in major container ports, this research characterizes smart ports and Port 4.0 with three key focus areas: automation, sustainability and collaboration. Following the scenario building theory, this article constructs four alternative scenarios for future smart ports and shows the ways in which these alternative scenarios will lead to different prioritization of digital innovations between automation, sustainable development and cooperation issues. This will have a big impact on what digitalization in ports will be like in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union is funding scientific research through the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. Since the key priorities for the next few decades are the reduction in carbon emissions and the enhancement of energy system conversion efficiency, a collection of the most recent research projects can be beneficial to researchers and stakeholders who want to easily access and identify recent innovation in the energy sector. This paper proposes an overview of the Horizon 2020 projects on smart distributed energy systems, with particular focus on heating and cooling networks and their efficient management and control. The characteristics of the selected projects are summarized, and the relevant features, including the energy vectors involved, main applications and expected outputs are reported and analyzed. The resulting framework fosters the deployment of digital technologies and software platforms to achieve smart and optimized energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]