Sustainable Digital Transformation in Peruvian Companies: An Analysis of Strategic Capabilities, Integration, and Sustainability

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33595/2226-1478.17.1547

Keywords:

Digital transformation capabilities, Excellence practices internalisation, Sustainable development success, Environmental management practices

Abstract

Digital transformation is essential for global competitiveness, compelling organizations to adapt their strategies and processes to incorporate sustainability as a core pillar of development. At the local level, SMEs play a vital role in the economy, yet they face structural challenges in adopting sustainable digital capabilities. Furthermore, the objective of this research is to analyze how sustainable digital transformation capabilities are linked to the internalization of best practices, the success of sustainable development, and environmental management in Peruvian SMEs. The results indicate that digital transformation capabilities positively influence the success of sustainable development (p=0.000) and the internalization of best practices (p=0.000), thereby validating the proposed hypotheses and reaffirming the importance of digitalization as a strategic factor for the sustainability of Peruvian SMEs. In conclusion, digital transformation practices and the internalization of best practices contribute significantly to strengthening sustainability and competitiveness in Peruvian SMEs. A non-experimental quantitative design using structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed, based on data collected through structured surveys administered to managers and representatives of SMEs in Lima. This research provides empirical evidence on the mechanisms through which Peruvian SMEs can develop strategic digital capabilities and link them to best practices and environmental management.

 

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Published

2026-05-25

How to Cite

Coronado Pérez, A. D., Vergara Kohatsu, F. A., & Pacheco-Pumaleque, L. (2026). Sustainable Digital Transformation in Peruvian Companies: An Analysis of Strategic Capabilities, Integration, and Sustainability. Comuni@cción: Journal of Research in Communication and Development, 17, e1547. https://doi.org/10.33595/2226-1478.17.1547

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