Abstract:

Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 have reshaped the way organizations design processes,make decisions, and create value across industrial, public, and social systems. This Special Issueof Transactions on Energy Systems and Engineering Applications brings together a diverse set ofcontributions that explore digital transformation not only as a technological phenomenon, but as amanagerial, organizational, and societal challenge. The selected articles address key dimensions,including disruptive innovation assessment, business intelligence for public-sector decision-making,agile management in traditional industries, artificial intelligence in industrial quality control, operationalefficiency through OEE automation, advanced sensing and data-driven modeling, digital inclusionas social innovation, and the socioeconomic impacts of ICT adoption. Together, these works offera comprehensive view of how Industry 4.0 technologies must be strategically managed to generatesustainable value, enhance organizational performance, and promote inclusive development. Thiseditorial contextualizes the contributions, highlights their interconnections, and outlines practical andresearch-oriented recommendations for advancing digital transformation management