Managerial Digital Competencies and Process Integration as Drivers of Digital Transformation in Transport Enterprises: Evidence from Central Europe Using PLS-SEM

Research background: Digital transformation has become a key determinant of competitiveness for transport enterprises operating in an environment characterised by rapid technological change. Although this topic has attracted considerable attention in the general literature, the transport sector remains relatively underexplored from the perspective of empirical research on digital transformation. Sector-specific characteristics—such as high operational complexity, dependence on real-time data, regulatory constraints, and stringent safety requirements—create the need for a targeted and integrated research approach. Purpose of the article: The aim of this article is to analyse the key managerial, technological, performance-related, and process-related factors influencing the level of actual digital transformation in transport enterprises. The study focuses in particular on the role of managerial digital competencies, knowledge of digital infrastructure, business process integration, and the management of digital performance, including cybersecurity. Methods: The empirical part of the study is based on an international questionnaire survey conducted among managers and professionals employed in transport enterprises across Central Europe. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), which enables the testing of complex relationships among latent variables and is particularly suitable for prediction-oriented research. Findings & value added: The results confirm that digital transformation in the transport sector is significantly influenced by managerial digital competencies and the level of understanding of digital technologies. The findings further indicate that the integration of processes and the systematic monitoring of performance metrics, including cybersecurity indicators, play a crucial role in achieving higher levels of digital maturity. The main contribution of the article lies in the development of an integrated competency-based model of digital transformation specifically tailored to the transport sector, which extends existing theory and provides practically relevant implications for managerial decision-making.