Digital transformation and international expansion: searching for a pattern among the Polish companies

Barbara Jankowska, Marta Götz and Katarzyna Mroczek-Dąbrowska

Post-Communist Economies, 2026, vol. 38, issue 1, 45-66

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between digital transformation and international expansion among firms in Poland – a post-communist, middle-income economy in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) facing structural challenges such as in-betweenness and dependency on foreign direct investment. As literature shows limitations within this topic, the paper aims to uncover patterns and illuminate the interplay between digitalisation and internationalisation strategic, contributing to a deeper understanding of their challenges and opportunities. Combining a narrative literature review with quantitative empirical research, the study draws on a comprehensive dataset of 400 Polish manufacturing firms and surveys the adoption of 11 digital technologies. The study applies the Kruskal-Wallis test, analysis of variance in a between-groups scheme, and the Aligned Ranks Transformation ANOVA test. The findings reveal a heterogeneous profile of companies undertaking both digital transformation and international expansion, with diverse and uncoordinated influencing variables. While existing literature has largely focused on Western European economies, this study contributes to the underexplored context of CEE by offering empirical insights into Poland’s digital and global business dynamics.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1080/14631377.2025.2587013

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