Skip to main content
alam.amiki@gmail.com 6281260272238
Register
Articles

The Impact of Digital Capability and Business Synergy on Digital Transformation

  • 1 Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis.
  • 2* STIE Manajemen Bisnis Indonesia.
  • 3 Universitas Pelita Harapan.
  • 4 Institut Agama Islam Negeri Pontianak.
  • 5 Politeknik ATI Padang.

* Corresponding Author: Silvia Ekasari

Open Access
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59431/ijer.v6i2.728
Published
Pages
328–335

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026)

Indonesian Journal Economic Review (IJER)
June

Abstract

This study examines the influence of digital capabilities and business synergy on digital transformation in higher education institutions facing rapid technological change. Universities are increasingly expected to adapt by strengthening their ability to use digital technologies while maintaining effective coordination across organizational units. Digital capabilities reflect the skills, knowledge, and readiness of institutions in utilizing technology, while business synergy refers to the alignment and collaboration among internal functions to support common goals. A total of ninety respondents from several universities were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring their relevance to digital practices and institutional development. The data were processed using Smart Partial Least Squares (Smart PLS) to evaluate the structural model and test the relationships between variables. The findings show that digital capabilities have a positive and significant effect on digital transformation. Business synergy also demonstrates a significant influence, indicating that coordinated efforts across departments support smoother implementation of digital initiatives. These results indicate that university performance in the digital era depends on the ability to strengthen technological competence and maintain strong internal collaboration. Institutions that are able to integrate both aspects tend to achieve more effective and sustainable transformation outcomes.

Keywords

Digital Capabilities Business Synergy Digital Transformation University

How to Cite

Kespandiar, T., Ekasari, S., Antonio, F., Hidayati, H., & Musdirwan. (2026). The Impact of Digital Capability and Business Synergy on Digital Transformation. Indonesian Journal Economic Review (IJER), 6(2), 328–335. https://doi.org/10.59431/ijer.v6i2.728

References

  • Alasiri, N., & AlKubaisy, Z. (2022). Exploring the role of leadership, work environment, IT alignment, and company performance on digital transformation: A study on private sector companies in Western Region, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 7(2), 5. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2022.v7i2.500
  • Al-Jubouri, Z. T. K. (2023). The role of transformational leadership for human resource managers in training and development. International Journal of Professional Business Review, 8(4), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.26668/businessreview/2023.v8i4.1376
  • Almahdi, A. A. M., & Al-Manzuoa, Z. A. A. (2025). The role of digital transformation in enhancing educational service quality in Yemeni private universities. TPM-Testing, Psychometrics, Methodology in Applied Psychology, 32(S2), 375–387. https://tpmap.org/submission/index.php/tpm/article/view/253
  • Alomari, J. F. (2024). Applying digital transformation techniques in developing the administrative and educational process in Jordanian universities. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 14(5), 167–177. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2024-0129
  • Anne, J., Joseph, K., Ishaq, C., Naabi, A., & To, L. (2025). Enhancing digital productivity and capability in higher education through authentic leader behaviors: A cross-cultural structural equation model. Education and Information Technologies, 30(12), 17751–17767. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13422-x
  • Astuty, E., Yustian, O. R., & Ratnapuri, C. I. (2022). Building student entrepreneurship activities through the synergy of the university entrepreneurship ecosystem. Frontiers in Education, 7, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.757012
  • Bertoletti, A., & Johnes, G. (2021). Efficiency in university-industry collaboration: An analysis of UK higher education institutions. Scientometrics, 126(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-021-04076-w
  • Bond, M., Marín, V. I., Dolch, C., Bedenlier, S., & Zawacki-Richter, O. (2018). Digital transformation in German higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 15(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-018-0130-1
  • Brahmana, R. K., & Kontesa, M. (2024). Does digital orientation enhance firm performance? Sage Journals, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/09722629241257300
  • Chounta, I. A., Ortega-Arranz, A., Daskalaki, S., Dimitriadis, Y., & Avouris, N. (2024). Toward a data-informed framework for digital readiness in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00491-0
  • Čirjevskis, A. (2021). Exploring critical success factors of reciprocal synergy in strategic alliances. WMSCI 2021 Proceedings, 14(385), 137–142. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14080385
  • Dhameria, V., Muazeib, A. I. M., Blhaj, K. M. S., Sugiyarsih, S., & Rosadah, R. A. (2025). The impact of digital transformation in higher education management. International Journal of Educational Qualitative Quantitative Research, 4(1), 15–24. https://doi.org/10.58418/ijeqqr.v4i1.135
  • Ding, T., Yang, J., Wu, H., Wen, Y., Tan, C., & Liang, L. (2021). Research performance evaluation of Chinese university. Journal of Management Science and Engineering, 6(4), 467–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmse.2020.10.003
  • Ekasari, S., Abdurakhman, R. N., Nuryanto, U. W., Hartanto, & Wulandari. (2024). Analysis of information management and innovation behavior. Jurnal Sistem Informasi dan Teknologi, 6(2), 111–115.
  • Ekasari, S., Manullang, S. O., Syakhrani, A. W., & Amin, H. (2021). Understanding Islamic education management in digital era. Nidhomul Haq, 6(1), 127–143.
  • Evans, N., Miklosik, A., & Du, J. T. (2023). University-industry collaboration as a driver of digital transformation. Heliyon, 9, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21017
  • Fan, Z., & Chiong, R. (2023). Identifying digital capabilities in university courses. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 3937–3952. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11075-8
  • Fernández, A., Gómez, B., Binjaku, K., & Meçe, E. K. (2023). Digital transformation initiatives in higher education institutions. Education and Information Technologies, 28(10). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11544-0
  • Holubčík, M., Soviar, J., & Lendel, V. (2023). Through synergy in cooperation toward sustainable business strategy management. Sustainability, 15(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010525
  • Kastelli, I., Dimas, P., Stamopoulos, D., & Tsakanikas, A. (2024). Linking digital capacity to innovation performance. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 15(1), 238–272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-01092-w
  • Keskes, I., Sallan, J. M., Simo, P., & Fernandez, V. (2018). Transformational leadership and organizational commitment. Journal of Management Development, 37(3), 271–284. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-04-2017-0132
  • Ketut, M. I., Nyoman, U. I. D., & Wayan, S. N. (2024). The importance of MSMEs competitiveness through digital transformation. Journal of Accounting and Strategic Finance, 7(1), 18–38. https://doi.org/10.33005/jasf.v7i1.467
  • Kindermann, B., Beutel, S., & others. (2021). Digital orientation: Conceptualization and operationalization. European Management Journal, 39(5), 645–657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2020.10.009
  • Kindermann, B., Schmidt, C. V. H., Fengel, F., & Strese, S. (2024). Expanding digital orientation research. Journal of Business Research, 185, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114895
  • Leydesdorff, L., Park, H. W., & Lengyel, B. (2014). Measuring synergy in university-industry-government relations. Scientometrics, 99(1), 27–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11192-013-1079-4
  • Lianto, B., Iswadi, H., & Oktaviyanti, N. D. (2025). University-industry collaboration and innovation performance. Asian Journal of Technology Management, 18(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.12695/ajtm.2025.18.1.1
  • Multan, E., W., Sobotka, B., & Bis, J. (2023). Application of performance indicators in universities. Sustainability, 15(13673), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813673
  • Prans, M., Renta, P., & Ali, S. (2025). Digital transformation and higher education performance. International Journal of Applied Research, 28(1), 149–180. https://doi.org/10.33312/ijar.831
  • Purwanto, H., Rahayu, A., Gaffar, V., et al. (2024). Strategic alignment for digital transformation in higher education. Trikonomika, 23(2), 83–97. https://doi.org/10.23969/trikonomika.v23i2.18940
  • Putri, N. K. S., Permatasari, D., Susanto, R., Lee, C. K., & Kurniawan, Y. (2023). Knowledge management evaluation using digital capability model. Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, 21(2), 140–157. https://doi.org/10.34190/ejkm.21.2.3009
  • Ramadania, R., Hartijasti, Y., Purmono, B. B., et al. (2024). Digital transformation and organizational performance in higher education. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 19(4), 1239–1252. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.190402
  • Salwa, R. R., MS, M., & Nabila, N. I. (2025). Digital orientation and digital capability on digital transformation. Jurnal Ekonomika dan Bisnis, 5(3), 534–539. https://doi.org/10.47233/jebs.v5i3.2756
  • Sani, A., & Almahendra, R. (2025). Digital strategy and higher education transformation. CIRSSEM, 3(1), 33–50.
  • Sitiari, N. W., Sariani, N. K., Martadiani, A. A. M., & Sarmawa, I. W. G. (2024). Sustainable competitive advantage in higher education. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 13(3), 584–594. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpiundiksha.v13i3.66053
  • Sudirman, & Ridwan. (2025). Operational synergy and financial sustainability in higher education. Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin Indonesia, 4(06), 575–587. https://doi.org/10.58471/esaprom.v4i06
  • Sukandi, P. (2024). Synergy between universities and leadership collaboration. Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-608-6_25
  • Sun, T., & Yoon, M. (2025). Digital transformation and faculty performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1693375
  • Tereshchenko, E., Salmela, E., Melkko, E., et al. (2024). University-industry cooperation strategies. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13(28), 1–45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-024-00386-4
  • Widyani, A. A. D., Suardhika, I. N., Astiti, N. P. Y., & Rustiarini, N. W. (2022). Triple helix synergy for SMEs. Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research, 24(2), 174–191. https://doi.org/10.54609/reaser.v24i2.183
  • Wijayanto Aripradono, H., Nursyamsi, I., Wahab, A., & Sultan, Z. (2024). Educational technology for digital transformation. Policy & Governance Review, 8(2), 303–322. https://doi.org/10.30589/pgr.v8i3.1019
  • Xie, Y., & Zhang, M. (2024). Synergy of higher education resources and digital infrastructure. PLOS ONE, 19(6), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304613
  • Yu, J., & Moon, T. (2021). Digital strategic orientation and performance. ICIC Express Letters, 12(9), 847–856. https://doi.org/10.24507/icicelb.12.09.847
  • Zhang, X., Wang, Z., Luo, W., et al. (2025). Digital orientation and innovation performance. Systems, 13(5), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050346
  • Zhang, Y., Swatdikun, T., Lakkanawanit, P., et al. (2025). Digital transformation capability and performance. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 18(7), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18070405
  • Zhao, Y., Sánchez Gómez, M. C., Pinto Llorente, A. M., & Zhao, L. (2021). Digital competence in higher education. Sustainability, 13(21), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112184

Author Biographies

  • Tengku Kespandiar, Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis.

    International Business Administration Study Program, Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis, Riau Province, Indonesia.

  • Silvia Ekasari, STIE Manajemen Bisnis Indonesia.

    Management Study Program, STIE Manajemen Bisnis Indonesia, Indonesia.

  • Ferdi Antonio, Universitas Pelita Harapan.

    Hospital Administration Study Program, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia.

  • Heny Hidayati, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Pontianak.

    Sharia Business Management Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Pontianak, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.

  • Musdirwan, Politeknik ATI Padang.

    Agro Industrial Logistics Management Study Program, Politeknik ATI Padang, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia.

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Tengku Kespandiar, Silvia Ekasari, Ferdi Antonio, Heny Hidayati, Musdirwan

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

This is an open-access journal. All articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Under this license, you are free to:

  • Share: Copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format.
  • Adapt: Remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.

Attribution Requirements:
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.

Copyright and Retention:
Authors retain copyright without restrictions and grant this journal the right of first publication under an open-access model. The journal retains non-exclusive publishing rights for archiving, indexing, and scholarly dissemination.

Usage Statistics

Similar Articles

View all similar articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)