Qualitative Comparative Analysis ResearchDigital Transformation in IndustryInnovation and Knowledge Management

Pham Minh Ngoc Quang, Trung Nguyen Nam, Huong Duong Thi Thu

2026.3.25International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management

DOI: 10.1142/s0219877026500161

Abstract

This study examines how technological, organizational, and environmental configurations shape digital transformation performance in retail firms. Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis on data from 392 Vietnamese retailers, the analysis distinguishes between customer experience innovation and operational process improvement. Findings reveal causal asymmetry: customer experience innovation depends on a dominant technology-organization pathway, while operational process improvement follows multiple equifinal paths driven by environmental dynamism. These results challenge one-size-fits-all logic, demonstrating that drivers exert outcome-specific effects. The study provides insights for managers in emerging economies to design context-sensitive transformation strategies.

Citation format

QUANG, Pham Minh Ngoc; NAM, Trung Nguyen; THU, Huong Duong Thi. Configurational drivers of digital transformation performance in retail firms: Evidence from an emerging economy. International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, 2026, 23(03).