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Digital Maturity as a Driver of Sustainable Development Goal Achievement in Polish Enterprises: Evidence from Empirical Research

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  • Magdalena Jaciow

    (Department of Digital Economy Research, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics in Katowice, 40-287 Katowice, Poland)

  • Kinga Hoffmann-Burdzińska

    (Department of Digital Economy Research, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics in Katowice, 40-287 Katowice, Poland)

  • Izabela Marzec

    (Department of Digital Economy Research, Faculty of Economics, University of Economics in Katowice, 40-287 Katowice, Poland)

  • Łukasz Rzońca

    (The Doctoral School, University of Economics in Katowice, 40-287 Katowice, Poland)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to assess the digital maturity of Polish enterprises and to identify the most and least developed dimensions of maturity within these organizations in the context of their potential to achieve sustainable development goals. The authors pose research questions regarding the overall level of digital maturity in Polish enterprises, its variation depending on the type of business activity, and the specific dimensions of digital maturity that were rated the highest and lowest. The main thesis of the article assumes that the level of digital maturity determines a company’s sustainable orientation. The article presents the results of empirical research conducted among 697 Polish enterprises operating in the manufacturing, trade, and service sectors. The study employed the seven-dimensional Digitalcheck Mittelstand model for assessing digital maturity. The average scores of digital maturity, both by industry and by specific dimensions, were mapped to six levels of digital maturity adapted for Polish enterprises. The findings confirm that Polish enterprises demonstrate a moderate level of digital maturity. Among the analyzed sectors, manufacturing enterprises exhibit the highest level of maturity. The study also confirmed that the highest maturity levels are observed in the areas of organization and processes. Conversely, the lowest level of digital advancement is found in the environmental dimension, indicating a gap in aligning corporate strategies with green funding programs and eco-initiatives. Future research should take into account causal mechanisms and disruptive factors affecting digital transformation in organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Jaciow & Kinga Hoffmann-Burdzińska & Izabela Marzec & Łukasz Rzońca, 2025. "Digital Maturity as a Driver of Sustainable Development Goal Achievement in Polish Enterprises: Evidence from Empirical Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-30, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8465-:d:1754355
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