Article: Maturity or readiness? How to measure the levels of digitalisation? The case of Tâmega e Sousa Region Journal: International Journal of Economics and Business Research (IJEBR) 2025 Vol.29 No.3/4/5 pp.301 - 324 Abstract: Digitalisation is mandatory for today's companies. Living in the Era of Industry 4.0, the phenomenon of digital transformation cannot be ignored. Intending to support manufacturing companies in their digitalisation processes, the present paper reflects the work that has been carried on, to support the digital transition for manufacturing companies in the region of Tâmega e Sousa. This region is considered to be an industrial region located in the North of Portugal, but lagging in terms of digital technology adoption. In a theoretical framework, it is expected to identify the most relevant factors to promote a successful digital strategy. Supported by a Science Design methodology, a platform was developed to support the measurement of the maturity or digital companies' readiness levels. To collect the necessary data were performed questionnaires. First, in a face-to-face approach and later through the platform developed. The (preliminary) results are based on a sample of 53 companies (pilot test). From this data, it was possible to identify some trends: 1) some behaviours indicate that the region is still in the digitisation phase; 2) the digitisation focus is in the processes dimension; 3) even performing a digital transition, companies do not invest in in-house IT solutions. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Maturity or readiness? How to measure the levels of digitalisation? The case of Tâmega e Sousa Region

Authors: Nelson Duarte; Carla Pereira; Davide Carneiro

Addresses: INESCTEC, ESTG, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Margaride, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal; IRIEM, Hong Kong ' INESCTEC, ESTG, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Margaride, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal ' CIICESI, ESTG, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua do Curral, Margaride, 4610-156 Felgueiras, Portugal

Abstract: Digitalisation is mandatory for today's companies. Living in the Era of Industry 4.0, the phenomenon of digital transformation cannot be ignored. Intending to support manufacturing companies in their digitalisation processes, the present paper reflects the work that has been carried on, to support the digital transition for manufacturing companies in the region of Tâmega e Sousa. This region is considered to be an industrial region located in the North of Portugal, but lagging in terms of digital technology adoption. In a theoretical framework, it is expected to identify the most relevant factors to promote a successful digital strategy. Supported by a Science Design methodology, a platform was developed to support the measurement of the maturity or digital companies' readiness levels. To collect the necessary data were performed questionnaires. First, in a face-to-face approach and later through the platform developed. The (preliminary) results are based on a sample of 53 companies (pilot test). From this data, it was possible to identify some trends: 1) some behaviours indicate that the region is still in the digitisation phase; 2) the digitisation focus is in the processes dimension; 3) even performing a digital transition, companies do not invest in in-house IT solutions.

Keywords: digital maturity; readiness; digital transformation; digital industry survey; SME; Tâmega e Sousa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2025.145859

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2025 Vol.29 No.3/4/5, pp.301 - 324

Received: 12 Aug 2022
Accepted: 09 Jan 2023
Published online: 30 Apr 2025 *

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Title: Maturity or readiness? How to measure the levels of digitalisation? The case of Tâmega e Sousa Region

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