Digital transformation: a conceptual framing for attaining Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 9 in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the potentials of digital transformation for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with emphasis on SDG 4 and SDG 9 in Nigeria. The study adopts a conceptual approach, reviewing existing literature to explore the topic from various views of authors on the issue. It focuses on the contextual factors such as stakeholder input to the process of the implementation of digitalisation and SDGs 4 and 9 which focuses on educational development at all levels, industrial collaborations and improvements, respectively. The results indicate that digital transformation potentially enhances the attainment of SDGs 4 and 9, but this is mediated by the level of stakeholder commitment and e-governance performance. Part of the recommendation is the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach to development-oriented digital transformation interventions for SDGs 4 and 9 in Nigeria, through a process of effective stakeholder engagement and transparent institutional signalling. The study draws research attention to the use of digital transformation for social development, especially in a developing economy such as Nigeria, to enhance the compendium of knowledge in the implementation of digital approach to the attainment of SDGs 4 and 9. It is also suggested for the government institutions to take further responsibility to provide a fair platform for the implementation of digital transformation and the attainment of SDGs 4 and 9 in Nigeria.

A sustainable University: Digital Transformation and Beyond

“…However, the impact of DTS is regional or contextual (Rajesh, 2018 ; Du Toit and Verhoef, 2018 ). However, sustainable development penetrated via digital transformation across global industries is still in the early stages (Ufua et al, 2021 ; Lositska, Melnychenko and Bieliaieva, 2022 ; Bican and Brem, 2020 ; Pasqualino, Demartini and Bagheri, 2021 ). Universities top managers must develop informed estimates/calculations in order to design-develop relevant sustainable digital transformation strategies to bridge the digital strategy gap, so they need (a) digital strategy, (b) sustainable practices and (c) reliable educational technologies.…”

Lean Entrepreneurship and SME Practice in a Post COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Conceptual Discourse from Nigeria

“…This encompasses adopting lean principles in entrepreneurship to maximise identified opportunities (Harms & Schwery, 2020 ). It also entails the embrace of vital lean practices such as value stream mapping, innovation and continuous improvement to enhance customer value delivery and sustainability on a platform of continuous identification and elimination of waste in an entrepreneurship business practice (Bieraugel, 2015 ; Ufua, Emielu, et al, 2021 ; Ufua, Ibidunni, et al, 2021 ).…”

“…This leaves the lean entrepreneur to continually strive for operational process improvement to meet customer value demands. Lean entrepreneurship also demands the entrepreneur's embrace of changes from the business environment that can determine or affect customer perception of value (Ufua, Emielu, et al, 2021 ; Ufua, Ibidunni, et al, 2021 ). Therefore, entrepreneurship researchers and practitioners reckon that lean is operated on a continual search of what values demands a continuous improvement on the operational process to reflect changes in the business environment and customers’ needs (Babalola et al, 2019 ).…”

“…This study argues that adopting stakeholder consultation in lean entrepreneurship can lead to an extended advantage in terms of support and cooperation from specific stakeholder groups such as the government and host community, who are critical to business operations in the Nigerian economy. This is because they provide required partnership in business value chain management and regulations, which are also relevant to entrepreneurship and SME success (Ufua et al, 2021 ).…”

Social services provision and stakeholder engagement in the Nigerian informal sector: A systemic concept for transformation and business sustainability

“…Effective record keeping can aid tax revenue generation and estimate future potentials of the various segments of the Nigerian informal sector. This leaves the government and all institutional stakeholders with the challenge to embrace record keeping on business activities in the Nigerian informal sector, to have a proper grasp on the drive to have a sustainable transformation, and to keep the strive to reduce the size of the Nigerian informal sector (Ufua, Emielu, et al, 2021). The relevance of government record keeping includes its usefulness in tackling mismanagement of resources, corruption, accountability within regulatory and implementing agencies, and lack of transparency (Aregbeshola, 2018).…”