Exploring the microfoundations of digital transformation maturity: a focus on Italian healthcare organizations

Maria Vincenza Ciasullo, Silvia Cosimato and Miriana Ferrara

European Journal of Innovation Management, 2025, vol. 29, issue 11, 1-26

Abstract: PurposeThis study explores the journey of healthcare organizations towards digital transformation maturity (DTM), focusing on the development and implementation of digital dynamic capabilities. By investigating the microfoundations of these capabilities, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachResearch reported in this paper employs an abductive approach. Empirically, a qualitative methodology based on a multiple-case study analysis has been conducted on six Italian healthcare organizations through semi-structured interviews and archival data.FindingsThe findings reveal the microfoundations across digital sensing, seizing and reconfiguring capabilities in healthcare to achieve DTM. The study also identifies three main stages of DTM, demonstrating how different combinations of these capabilities influence the progression towards digital maturity, thereby attaining different innovation outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers implications for healthcare managers who want to advance with DT and strategically manage the innovation essential to fully enact it. The research is limited by its focus on Italian healthcare organizations, potentially affecting the generalizability of the findings. Future studies could expand the geographical scope and employ mixed-methods approaches to validate and extend the results achieved in this study.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the nascent literature on DTM by providing empirical evidence of the microfoundations that enable digital dynamic capabilities, offering practical insights for healthcare managers and policymakers to foster an environment that supports a strategic approach to digital innovation.

Keywords: Digital transformation maturity; Healthcare; Dynamic capabilities; Microfoundations; Digital innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ejimpp:ejim-10-2024-1185

DOI: 10.1108/EJIM-10-2024-1185

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