Digital Sustainability Sequencing
A Framework for Navigating Nonlinear Pathways in Organizational and Eco‐System Transitions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17721244 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bogdan Nichifor (0000-0002-3713-9669, Faculty of Economic Sciences Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau Bacau Romania, corresponding author), Luminița Zaiț (0009-0001-4478-8923, Faculty of Economic Sciences Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau Bacau Romania) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-27 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Systems Research and Behavioral Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1092-7026 • E-ISSN: 1099-1743 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/sres.70018 |
| OpenAlex | W7125835163 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 53 |
Digital transformation and sustainability are increasingly interconnected, yet their strategic sequencing remains undertheorized. This study introduces the Digital Sustainability Sequencing (DSS) framework, a midlevel model that guides organizations in aligning digital capabilities with sustainability goals through nonlinear pathways. Methodologically, the framework is developed through a systematic review of 155 peer‐reviewed articles and 30 analytical memos, validated via bibliometric mapping and two detailed real‐world cases: Van Wijhe Verf (SME transition) and Amsterdam Smart City (ecosystem orchestration). The DSS identifies three interrelated phases: (1) Digital Infrastructure for Operational Efficiency (DSS1), (2) Intelligent Integration for Sustainable Value (DSS2), and (3) Regenerative Ecosystem Models (DSS3). Each phase is synthesized through the DSS‐E rubric, which incorporates ethics via transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Unlike linear maturity models, the DSS captures path dependency, leapfrogging and regression. The paper offers 11 testable propositions and a diagnostic tool for managers and policymakers to assess readiness and avoid ‘efficiency‐only’ lock‐ins. By bridging micro‐level adoption with macro‐level sustainability transitions, the DSS framework provides a robust, evidence‐based roadmap for regenerative organizational strategies
Corporate sustainability · Digital transformation · Leapfrogging · Product-service system · Sustainability · Sustainability organizations · Digital Transformation in Industry · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance · Sustainability in Higher Education
Can big data and predictive analytics improve social and environmental sustainability?
The Multi-Level Perspective in Research on Sustainability Transitions in Agriculture and Food Systems
Towards a theory of ecosystems
Co-creation experiences
The Measurement of Observer Agreement for Categorical Data
Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage
The role of agent autonomy in using decision support systems at work
Leveraging blockchain technology for green innovation in ecosystem-based business models
Sustainability-oriented innovations in smart cities
Addressing Exploitation in Supply Chains
Accountability in transnational governance
Increasing Returns, Path Dependence, and the Study of Politics
Digital Constitutionalism
Demystification and Actualisation of Data Saturation in Qualitative Research Through Thematic Analysis
| Highly cited | No |
|---|