Orchestrating global digital sustainability: a meta-dynamic capability perspective for multinatinal enterprises

The context of this study takes the form of five MNEs from energy, manufacturing, and fast-moving consumer goods industries. A qualitative multiple-case study research design was undertaken in the form of 49 semi-structured interviews with key decision makers from multiple functions including corporate sustainability, technology, innovation, supply chain, and research and design, in addition to exploratory document reviews and expert interviews.

The findings of this thesis demonstrate how GDS is a complex and constrained process which challenges the current form of MNEs. The findings suggest MNEs manage this complexity through an orchestration capability, which is the ability to purposefully align and integrate internal and external resources, stakeholders, and processes across fragmented and interdependent ecosystems, enabling them to pursue and progress GDS initiatives.

This capability is enacted through three interrelated dynamic sub-capabilities: recombining internal assets and systems, configuring external partnerships, and synchronising these efforts. These sub-capabilities are in turn underpinned by several base activities. These findings reveal a promising research area for international business researchers, and offer actionable insights for MNE leaders and policymakers.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2028.</i>