Abstract:

At the centres of the largest enterprises worldwide, a thorough digital transformation is under way. The leaders are rebuilding the different functions of the internal (vertical) value chain, and - together with their partners - also those of the horizontal value chain. At the same time, by using new technologies, businesses expand their offerings, introducing innovative services based on data analytics. The representatives of the companies participating in the survey forecast a further, significant increase in the use of digital technologies. The aim of the study was to find out to what extent the digital revolution virtualises entrepreneurship. The research hypothesis was: Modern information and communications technologies cause entrepreneurship to shift to cyberspace and narrow the extent to which it is pursued in the traditional form.

The digital revolution encompasses all new ventures and the transformation of existing businesses, creating and using innovative digital technologies. Digital enterprises are characterised by a high extent of the use of innovative digital technologies (in particular: social media, Big Data analytics, mobile and Cloud solutions). These technologies are designed to enhance business operations, invent new business models, sharpen business intelligence, cooperate with customers and stakeholders, create jobs and ensure better chances in the future. However, it is worth stressing that digital transformation and closer integration occur at a slower pace in the case of vertical value chains (processes, objectives) compared to horizontal value chains (cooperation with suppliers, customers and other partners).