디지털 전환과 지속가능성의 정렬: 한국 혁신조사에 대한 실증적 분석

Aligning Digital Transformation with Sustainability: Evidence from the Korean Innovation Survey

Purpose – This study aims to explore how digital transformation influences environmental performance, focusing on the mediating role of external collaboration and the moderating role of environmental dynamism. It seeks to clarify the mechanisms through which digital initiatives contribute to sustainability outcomes within organizations. Design/Methodology/Approach – Using data from 2,205 Korean firms obtained from the 2022 Korean Innovation Survey (KIS), the study applies ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and the Baron and Kenny three-step method to empirically test the proposed relationships. Variables were carefully operationalized based on established innovation and environmental management frameworks to ensure robustness. Findings – The results indicate that digital transformation positively affects environmental performance by enhancing operational efficiency and enabling sustainable practices. Moreover, external collaboration with partners such as universities, research institutes, and government organizations mediates this relationship by facilitating knowledge exchange and joint innovation. In addition, environmental dynamism moderates the relationship, such that the positive impact of digital transformation becomes stronger in dynamic and uncertain environments. Research Implications – The study advances understanding of how digital technologies can promote sustainability through inter-organizational collaboration. It provides both theoretical and practical implications; managers should leverage diverse collaborative networks to amplify the environmental benefits of digital initiatives, while policymakers should create supportive institutional frameworks that foster digital–environmental alignment.