English Interview Transcripts (Final)

Digital transformation stands as a significant business revolution, heralding a new economic paradigm that reshapes industry structures, stakeholder interactions, and competitive dynamics. In today’s volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) business environments, exacerbated by technological shifts and global competition, digital transformation offers extensive industry-spanning opportunities. Nevertheless, despite a growing digital transformation trend, numerous firms still encounter challenges in effectively achieving digital transformation into their business operations at scale. This thesis aims to empirically delve into the complex interaction between important building blocks and factors associated with each building block in realising digital transformation. The thesis provides several invaluable theoretical contributions surrounding seven building blocks (i.e. use of digital technologies, motivations, strategic responses, changes in value creation paths, enablers, barriers and business performance) intertwined in realising digital transformation. This study also delves into theoretical contributions related to the factors associated with each of these building blocks. From practical perspectives, the thesis provides guidance for the managers in manufacturing industry seeking to realise digital transformation for their firms. By understanding key building blocks—motivations, use of digital technologies, enablers, challenges and so forth—and related factors (e.g. advanced data availability, cloud ERP, artificial intelligence, top management support, resistance to change and so forth), managers can proactively address specific requirements, organise resources and address challenges for successful digital transformation in their firms, thereby gaining competitive advantage and growth. From policy standpoints, the thesis provides multiple guidelines to the policymakers engaged in digital transformation of Vietnam’s manufacturing sector. The study also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). By promoting digital practices, firms can contribute to fostering innovation, bolstering decent work and economic work, and building sustainable infrastructure in a VUCA world.