Challenges of implementing digital technologies in international enterprises
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26661/2522-1566/2024-3/29-03Keywords:
multinational companies, digital technologies, challenges, suggestionsAbstract
This study examines the major challenges multinational companies face when implementing digital technologies in various markets and proposes strategies to mitigate these obstacles. As digital technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain become increasingly vital for maintaining competitiveness and operational efficiency, multinational enterprises (MNEs) must integrate them into their global operations. However, this process is fraught with challenges, particularly in areas such as technological infrastructure, regulatory compliance, talent shortages, and cultural differences. A key obstacle is the varying levels of technological infrastructure across regions, with some markets lacking the necessary resources for seamless digital adoption. Regulatory compliance further complicates the process, as companies must navigate differing data protection laws, industry standards, and requirements for cross-border data flows. Additionally, talent shortages, particularly in emerging markets, hinder the implementation of these advanced technologies due to a lack of skilled personnel. Cultural differences also influence how employees interact with and adopt new digital systems, potentially slowing down the integration process. To overcome these challenges, MNEs need to adopt localized strategies, such as developing lightweight software tailored to regional infrastructure, enhancing training programs to build local expertise, and ensuring adherence to regional data regulations. By implementing these solutions, multinational companies can effectively manage the complexities of global digital technology adoption and maintain their competitiveness.
JEL Classification: F5, F6, O3
References
Bessen, J. (2018). AI and jobs: The role of demand (No. w24235). National Bureau of Economic Research.
Brynjolfsson, E., & McElheran, K. (2016). The rapid adoption of data-driven decision-making. American Economic Review, 106(5), 133-139.
Irani, Z., Abril, R. M., Weerakkody, V., Omar, A., & Sivarajah, U. (2023). The impact of legacy systems on digital transformation in European public administration: Lesson learned from a multi case analysis. Government Information Quarterly, 40(1), 101784.
Pahlavan, K., Krishnamurthy, P., & Geng, Y. (2015). Localization challenges for the emergence of the smart world. IEEE Access, 3, 3058-3067.
Zhang, S., Pandey, A., Luo, X., Powell, M., Banerji, R., Fan, L., ... & Luzcando, E. (2022). Practical adoption of cloud computing in power systems - Drivers, challenges, guidance, and real-world use cases. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 13(3), 2390-2411.
IT Workforce Labor Market Trends Report: 2023 https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4665399
World Energy Outlook 2023 https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023
Cohen, B., Hall, B., & Wood, C. (2017). Data Localization Laws and Their Impact on Privacy, Data Security and the Global Economy. Antitrust, 32, 107.
Kuan, Z., & Pakhnenko, O. M. (2022). Research on China's cross-border e-commerce based on the background of digital technology.
Kamara, R. D., Leonard, S., & Haines, R. (2017). Enhancing the capabilities of municipalities for local economic development through skills training.
Steidl-Müller, L., Hildebrandt, C., Raschner, C., & Müller, E. (2019). Challenges of talent development in alpine ski racing: a narrative review. Journal of sports sciences, 37(6), 601-612.
McKinsey Year in Review 2023 https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/2023-year-in-review
Kergroach, S., & Bianchini, M. M. (2021). The digital transformation of SMEs. OECD Publishing.
The Digital Transformation of SMEs https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-digital-transformation-of-smes_bdb9256a-en.html
Speedtest Global Index – Internet Speed around the world https://www.speedtest.net/global-index
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Electricity Data. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data.php
Kim, Y. Y. (2017). Cross-cultural adaptation. Oxford research encyclopedia of communication.
Robertson, P. (1997). Integrating legacy systems with modern corporate applications. Communications of the ACM, 40(5), 39-46.
Hampden-Turner, C., Trompenaars, F., & Hampden-Turner, C. (2020). Riding the waves of culture: Understanding diversity in global business. Hachette UK.
Iso, I. (2009). Risk management–Principles and guidelines. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.







