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Purpose: The Internet of Things (IoT) is currently acting as a critical component of the digitalization process by connecting physical devices to the digital world. It is assumed that IoT serves as both a driver and enabler of digitalization. Accordingly, this study investigates the significance of digitalization in enhancing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) firm performance using IoT as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach: Relying on a sample of 393 SMEs in Portugal, the study used a survey method and questionnaire to gather data, while utilizing the structured equations model to explore the relationship between the constructs of the research model. Findings: The findings show that digital infrastructure and value chains are central to digitalization. Technology, data analytics, digital skills and transformation strategies directly and jointly enhance firm performance. The study also highlights the mediating role of IoT in this relationship and stresses the need to consider industry dynamics, digital readiness and strategic goals when assessing IoT’s impact on SME performance. Originality/value: This study provides valuable insights into the core of digitalization, emphasizing the need for SMEs to effectively integrate digital infrastructure, digital value chains and IoT-driven technologies to drive performance and long-term success. © 2025, Fernando Almeida and Edet Okon.

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PurposeAfrican ports play a vital role in the continent’s economy and international trade. While African ports are essential for the competitiveness of African countries, their low level of digitalization presents significant challenges. This study aims to explore how digitalization initiatives implemented by African countries since 2018 are contributing to addressing the sustainable development goals (SDGs).Design/methodology/approachA qualitative analysis approach is adopted by exploring 19 case studies identified by the World Ports Sustainability Program. It explores how African ports have contributed to addressing the 17 SDGs, the positioning of these initiatives according to sociotechnical systems theory and the role these initiatives can play in reducing asymmetries in performance between African countries.FindingsThe results indicate that the most strongly addressed SDGs are 8, 9 and 17. The technical dimension stands out as the main objective of these projects to the detriment of the social and organizational components. Finally, the findings reveal that these initiatives have not significantly reduced performance gaps between African countries.Originality/valueThis study explores the under-researched nexus between digitalization and sustainable development. It uniquely contextualizes digital initiatives within the SDGs. The value lies in its potential to guide policymakers, port operators and stakeholders in leveraging digital transformation. Moreover, the relevance of this study is amplified as Africa seeks to integrate more fully into the global trade system while addressing pressing challenges related to resource management, sustainable development and socio-economic disparities.

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Abstract High-performance computing (HPC) plays a crucial role in accelerating digital transformation, yet there is a lack of studies that systematically characterize its impact across different company sizes. This study addresses this gap by analyzing a cross-sectoral panel of 294 Portuguese companies, comprising 103 large enterprises and 191 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It was applied descriptive analysis and statistical hypothesis testing methods. Two key research questions guide this investigation. The first explores the primary benefits and challenges associated with HPC adoption, while the second examines whether these factors vary between large companies and SMEs. The findings indicate that the benefits and challenges of the HPC are heterogeneously perceived by large companies and SMEs. It identified significant differences in the perceived benefits and challenges of HPC, particularly concerning cost savings, decision-making, cost and skills management, lack of awareness, and workforce skills gap. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how HPC supports digitalization processes, highlighting sector-specific and size-dependent differences in its perceived value and implementation barriers. This study provides valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers seeking to optimize HPC strategies for digital transformation.

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This article describes the construction path of a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) tool, starting with a systematic literature review of all responsible innovation tools to extract the essential dimensions and exclude overlapping. Those dimensions were presented in a series of workshops within a Research and Innovation Action European Project where 35 Innovation Actions (IA) were developed. Focusgroup methodology was followed, including the IA's leaders, to generate discussion around the sixteen dimensions and the meanings of the different grades of the Likert scale of an assessment tool to be applied to innovation processes and results.

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Knowledge sharing and team dynamics are essential elements of entrepreneurial success, especially in teams that operate in innovative environments. This chapter explores how participation in an incubation program influences the formation and development of entrepreneurial team identity. It aims to understand the dynamics involved in creating entrepreneurial teams, the practices of knowledge sharing, and the role digital technologies play in supporting and sustaining these processes. The study focuses on teams that completed the CEU iLab Incubation Program, with data gathered through in-depth semistructured interviews from twenty-five entrepreneurs across various startups. Five cases, involving entire entrepreneurial teams, were central to this research. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing incubation programs, promoting entrepreneurial identity formation, and improving the success of new ventures. These insights are beneficial for both scholars and practitioners in the entrepreneurship field. © 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.