Conference Paper
A Survival Analysis to Explore the Determinants of Digitalization in Egyptian Business Enterprises
No.
ERF32AC_137
Publisher
ERF
Date
May, 2026
Topic
D. Microeconomics
This study investigates the determinants of digitalization among Egyptian enterprises, conceptualizing it as a multi-stage, time-dependent process rather than a monolithic event. Utilizing the 2022 Survey of Enterprise Digitization in Egypt (SEDE), we employ a novel methodological framework that compares semi-parametric Cox Proportional Hazards models with advanced machine learning techniques as Survival XGBoost, Random Survival Forest, and Survival SVM to analyze the time-to-adoption of high-speed internet, online payments, and company websites. The findings reveal that the drivers of digitalization are highly stage-specific: owner education and digital skills are paramount for initial infrastructure adoption, while gender diversity and R&D investment become critical for advanced e-commerce functions as building website. An Andersen-Gill recurrent events model further confirms that prior digital milestones significantly influence subsequent adoption hazards. The results challenge the uniform application of digitalization policies, highlighting the need for targeted, stage-specific interventions. This research provides a critical evidence base for policymakers and fills a significant gap in the literature on digital transformation in developing economies.
Authors
Esmat Kamel
Full-time Associate Professor, Faculty of Management Sciences,...
Authors
Mariam Hegazy
Assistant Lecturer, NewGiza University
Authors
Mohamed AbdelRaouf
Assistant Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire