Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Corporate Competitive Advantage through Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: A Computer Science Perspective

Abstract

In the modern world, digital transformation has emerged as an essential factor of corporate competitive advantage and economic efficiency. The article examines the relationship between digital transformation initiatives and enterprise performance from an economic perspective, as well as the role of digital technology adoption in enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency. The research is conducted through an empirical analysis based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Trade Theory, where a sample of 1,007 manufacturing export enterprises in the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Markets between 2015 and 2024 is analyzed. To determine the effect of digital strategies, such as digital supply chains, blockchain technologies, and data-driven management, regression models and a mediating effect test, as well as heterogeneity analyses, were carried out. The results indicate that (1) digital transformation can contribute greatly to the corporate performance by strengthening the positioning in the competition and by lowering the costs of operations; (2) enterprises can gain in terms of enhanced R&D capabilities, optimized human resources, and enhanced export performance; and (3) the increased positive effects of digital transformation efforts are observed among non-state-owned enterprises and enterprises located in the developed regions.