EXAMINATION OF DIGITALIZATION IN HUNGARIAN AND ROMANIAN COMPANIES
Tünde-Zita Kovács, Beáta Bittner, Forest David, András Nábrádi
Károly Ihrig Doctoral School of Management and Business, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
kovacs.tunde.zita@econ.unideb.hu
bittner.beata@econ.unideb.hu
nabradi.andras@econ.unideb.hu
Abstract: 2020 posed a series of unforeseen challenges for economic actors. Digitalization, one of the most critical drivers of innovation, provided a lifeline for organizations who anticipated the opportunity and ramifications of a global pandemic. Digitalization offered alternative solutions for contacting partners, serving customer needs, retaining customers, and creating the possibility of online administration. The present study seeks to answer the question – using a database of ongoing research – to what extent are Hungarian and Romanian businesses able to discover the characteristics of the digital transformation, where and to what extent digital technology plays a role in the supply chain, and whether they have started digitization. The developed quantitative database was analyzed and processed utilizing SPSS 25 statistical software. Descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were run, followed by an analysis of variance to explore the existing relationships. For the multiple mean comparison test, the Tamhane test was used to analyze for differences in groups. As a result of the evaluation, the authors found statistical support that managers opinions on Internet Platforms creating more accessible business agreements is dependent on firm size with larger firms placing more emphasis on the benefits of Internet Platforms than smaller firms. The organizations recognize the potential of digital developments, but these developments are accompanied by a high degree of mistrust. Digital technology is typically used only to conduct processes during production or service activities and not as commonly conducted for increasing market share or expansion. Based on the authors’ proposal, the broadest possible application of digital technology within a company can provide its user a long-term survival, competitive advantage, and further development opportunities.
Keywords: digitalization; innovation; platform business model; platform-based businesses
