Corporate digital maturity dynamics in emerging economies: A fuzzy-set approach evidence from Ecuador (2016–2023)

Measuring digital transformation in emerging economies requires approaches capable of capturing its multidimensional and gradual nature, overcoming the traditional dichotomous view of technology adoption. This study constructs a Business Digitalization Index (BDI) for medium and large Ecuadorian firms by applying the Totally Fuzzy and Relative (TFR) method to a microdata panel from the Ecuadorian Business Structural Survey (2016–2023). The TFR approach derives the weights of 54 indicators across nine dimensions from their empirical distribution, avoiding fixed researcher-defined weighting schemes. The observed weighting structure is interpretable through the Resource-Based View (RBV). Basic technological infrastructure shows low discrimination power, whereas intangible and organizational capabilities appear as more distinctive components of digital maturity. The analysis reveals that firms may improve their absolute digital performance while losing relative position, suggesting that digitalization increasingly operates as a survival condition rather than a competitive differentiator. These findings inform industrial policies debates that move beyond hardware subsidies and highlight the relevance of talent development and organizational digital capabilities.