Boosting intellectual capital and digital maturity of SMEs: an investigation of enterprises in an Italian Southern tourist district

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the digital maturity of SMEs and intellectual capital, investigating the determining factors. Starting from the endowment in terms of Intellectual Capital, and evaluating Management Style, Decision-Making Competences, and Business Network, a model is proposed aiming to provide a comprehensive measure of SMEs’ digital maturity, in order to improve understanding and, consequently, effectiveness. The empirical analysis allows assessing the validity and applicability of the suggested model, providing valuable insights for the improvement of digital strategy and competitiveness of SMEs in the Amalfi Coast Tourist District, with evident implications also for policymakers and the community. Design/Methodology/Approach. A qualitative-quantitative research approach was used to validate some research hypotheses identified through a thorough review of the literature. In fact, the field analysis is structured in two distinct phases: the first phase, that is qualitative, was developed by means of the focus group technique, involving key stakeholders (managers and entrepreneurs) of some companies located in the Amalfi Coast Tourist District, respecting the principles of homogeneity (to encourage a greater depth of responses) and heterogeneity of participants (to encourage the emergence of a wider range of positions). The information collected through the exploratory focus group was the basis of the second phase of the research, namely quantitative. A questionnaire was used to conduct structured interviews, with the aim of exploring respondents’ perspectives regarding the concept of digital maturity. This phase involved 94 companies, all members of the Amalfi Coast Tourist District. The analysis analyses their level of digitalization, emphasizing the main management elements associated. A logistic regression has been used for the quantitative analysis of the data, a technique particularly useful in order to examine the effect of one or more independent variable (Intellectual Capital, in terms of Management Style, Decision-Making Competences and Business Network) on a dependent variable (digital maturity). The combination of a qualitative and quantitative approach aims at providing a complete and in-depth understanding of the digital maturity process in the given context. Results. The main results suggest the existence of a correlation between the analyzed variables and digital maturity. Innovation, indeed, increases by applying a data-driven leadership style. Intellectual capital (measured in its three components of human capital - decision-making competences - structural capital - management style - and relational capital – business network) influences digital maturity, although some of the variables used are not equally weighted. Managerial Implications/Originality. The main contribution of this article is to provide an in-depth understanding of the company components that favor digital maturity, to support strategic choices oriented towards a conscious digital transition. The results enrich the existing literature on intellectual capital in terms of its contribution to the digitalization of organizations, which can be a critical success factor in the context of SMEs.