Authors:

Ya.P. Silin, V.E. Kovalev, N.Yu. Yaroshevich

Ural State University of Economics, Ekaterinburg, Russia

Abstract:

Introducing digital solutions in production and management has become a priority growth strategy for industrial enterprises that is driven primarily by current sectoral and market dynamics rather than internal goals. The article provides theoretical and empirical foundations for typologization and identification of generic digital transformation strategies used by Russian industrial firms. The research methodology builds on the theories of industrial organization and strategic management, as well as the concept of digital maturity. Dynamic, statistical, and industry analyses were used as research methods. The empirical evidence is comprised of data on industrial sectors provided by the SPARK‑Interfax system and the Russian State Industry Information System (GISP) of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation. The article proposes and theoretically substantiates a two-dimensional model for identifying industrial enterprises’ generic digital transformation strategies relying on the composite indices of structural pressure and digital maturity. By integrating their values, we present a matrix and distinguish between four generic digital transformation strategies: catch-up digital modernization, inertial digitalization, proactive digital leadership, and the transformation strategy. The empirical analysis demonstrates that only two of these strategies are currently implemented in practice: the strategy of catch‑up digital modernization is characteristic of enterprises in the radio‑electronics, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, while the strategy of inertial digitization is typical of firms in agricultural machine building, machine tool engineering, and heavy engineering industries. Identifying generic strategies will enable industrial enterprises to determine priority directions of digital transformation, while allowing executive authorities to design support and incentive programs at the sectoral level.

Keywords: generic strategies; digital transformation; value added; strategic matrix; industry; enterprises.

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For citation: Silin Ya.P., Kovalev V.E., Yaroshevich N.Yu. (2026). Digital transformation strategies in industry: Empirical models of cross‑sectoral analysis. Upravlenets / The Manager, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 54–68. DOI: 10.29141/2218-5003-2026-17-2-4. EDN: JPKKAV.