Digital Transformation Characteristics of the Semiconductor Industry Ecosystem

• Published in: Sustainability Vol. 15; no. 1; p. 483
• Main Authors: Kim, Donggi, Cho, Keuntae
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Automation; Business; Business competition; Competition; Competitive advantage; Computer industry; Digitization; Ecosystems; Environmental aspects; Evaluation; Hypotheses; Manufacturing; Pharmaceutical industry; Product development; Semiconductor industry; Semiconductor materials; Sustainability; Technology application; United States; South Korea
• ISSN: 2071-1050; 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su15010483

This study investigates the characteristics of competitive strategies, digital competencies, and management performance as digital drivers in the semiconductor industry. We constructed a conceptual research model and proposed five research hypotheses based on previous studies and analyzed the fit of the research model using IBM SPSS AMOS software. In total, 131 companies specializing in semiconductor materials, components, equipment, and fabless design comprised the sample for analysis. To improve the fit of the research model, several unnecessary paths and measurement items were removed, the final research model was selected, and the five hypotheses were tested. The results indicate that digital drivers positively affect digital competencies, which, in turn, positively affect efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business models. Regarding the relationship between these business models and management performance, only the novelty-centered business model positively affects non-financial performance. These findings could help formulate digital transformation strategies related to products/services, processes, and business models at the firm level, as well as establish policies such as regulation and support programs at the government level.