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Integration of Romanian SMEs into Digital Ecosystems: The Role of Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Elena-Oana Croitoru

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Andreea-Ileana Zamfir

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Octavian-Cosmin Dobrin

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Aurelia Stanescu

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

Digital transformation has driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate into digital ecosystems (platforms, cloud solutions, and digital collaboration); however, the mechanisms by which this integration translates into performance remain insufficiently explained, particularly in emerging economies. This study investigates the relationships between digital ecosystem integration, data and artificial intelligence capabilities, adoption barriers, and perceived performance among Romanian SMEs using a quantitative methodology. Data were collected via a questionnaire administered to a sample of Romanian companies and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with bootstrapping. The empirical results highlight a full mediation phenomenon, indicating that access to and mere presence within digital ecosystems do not directly guarantee performance; rather, performance is achieved only if the firm transforms these resources into data analytics and AI automation capabilities. However, the results confirm that a developed digital ecosystem strongly stimulates firms' capacity to utilise these tools. Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) demonstrated that this mechanism is robust and valid regardless of firm size. The study provides new insights regarding digital ecosystems and the digital capabilities of SMEs, presenting managerial implications for prioritising investments in data, analytics, and AI.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena-Oana Croitoru & Andreea-Ileana Zamfir & Octavian-Cosmin Dobrin & Aurelia Stanescu, 2026. "Integration of Romanian SMEs into Digital Ecosystems: The Role of Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Performance," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 28(72), pages 607-607, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:aes:amfeco:v:28:y:2026:i:72:p:607
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    JEL classification:

    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management

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