Mechanism and Realization Path of Digital-Physical Integration Empowering Digital Transformation of Specialized, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative Enterprises

Jiali Weng; Yuwei Liu; Xiaoman Chen; Yan Jiang

doi:10.6981/FEM.202608_7(8).0009

Authors

Jiali Weng Business School, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
Yuwei Liu Business School, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
Xiaoman Chen Business School, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
Yan Jiang Business School, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6981/FEM.202608_7(8).0009

Keywords:

Digital-Physical Integration; Specialized, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative Enterprises; Digital Transformation; Functional Mechanism.

Abstract

Digital-physical integration is a critical driving force for fostering new productive forces and optimizing the modern industrial system. As vanguards among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Specialized, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative (SRDI) enterprises play a pivotal role in segmented industrial chains, and their digital transformation serves as a core foothold to deliver tangible outcomes of digital-physical integration. Nevertheless, SRDI enterprises are still plagued by multiple dilemmas in digital upgrading. Based on the Resource-Based Theory, Technology Empowerment Theory and Collaborative Governance Theory, this paper dissects the functional mechanism through which digital-physical integration fuels the digital transformation of SRDI enterprises. Through two-way internal and external empowerment channels, digital-physical integration can effectively mitigate five prevailing transformation predicaments of enterprises: being unwilling to transform, fearing transformation, lacking capacity to transform, suffering defective transformation results, and advancing transformation at a sluggish pace. Accordingly, this paper proposes targeted realization paths, including constructing tiered empowerment platforms, developing integrated digital industrial chain ecosystems, upgrading regional digital infrastructure and policy frameworks, and perfecting talent cultivation and cybersecurity safeguards. The research outcomes can offer references for local governments to formulate differentiated supportive policies and accelerate the digital transformation of SRDI enterprises.

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