Digitalization, Sustainability, and Internationalization Nexus: Insights from Portuguese Entrepreneurs

Abstract

The convergence of digitalization, sustainability, and internationalization represents a fundamental paradigm shift in today’s world of global business. This paper delves into the intricate relationship among these three pillars and their transformative impact on businesses, economies, and societies worldwide. Digitalization, characterized by the adoption of digital technologies, serves as a catalyst for internationalization, breaking down traditional barriers and fostering seamless connectivity across borders. Concurrently, the imperative of sustainability compels organizations to operate with consideration for environmental, social, and economic factors. Bearing this reality in mind, the aim of this study is to investigate, from the perspective of entrepreneurs of internationalized Portuguese companies, the factors contributing most to the importance they attach to digitalization in inducing internationalization. Using statistical methods of regression analysis (linear and logistic multivariate regression), the study seeks to identify the complex interactions between digitalization strategies and international expansion efforts. The results shed light on the critical role that digitalization plays in supporting internationalization goals and furthering sustainability objectives, stating that there is a strong connection between the importance of digitalization partnerships, counselling, and access to the new technologies and resources. Additionally, budget constraints may pose challenges for companies prioritizing digitalization efforts.