ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
Putting the Investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics by organizations from several industries have not yet run to stable and foreseeable performance effects. However, current research reveals that there is further to the technology value creation than just technology. There is a human factor in a first. Moreover, to create value by means of advanced technology, employees must acquire the necessary digital competencies. This paper explains a conceptual model where advanced technology is the independent variable, employee digital competency is the mediating variable, and firm performance is the dependent variable. For five (5) classifications of advanced technologies, specifically AI, big data, cloud computing, IoT, and robotics, the link with employee digital competency and the resulting firm performance is discussed. There are three underlying theoretical frameworks are the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and the Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework. The paper consists of a synthesis of empirical and conceptual studies published between 2023 and 2026. It argues the literature gaps, the research objectives, and questions, and presents a set of testable hypotheses. The findings and implications for management and research are presented as well. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.
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