Digitalization As a Mean by Improve the Efficiency of The Spanish Companies in The Maritime Sector Through Human Capital And CSR

Abstract Book of the 14th International Conference on Opportunities and Challenges in Management, Economics and Accounting

Year: 2026

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Digitalization As a Mean by Improve the Efficiency of The Spanish Companies in The Maritime Sector Through Human Capital And CSR

Jesús García-López, Lorena Para-González, Carlos Mascaraque-Ramírez

ABSTRACT:

In recent years, digital transformation has become increasingly relevant in the Spanish maritime sector. However, questions remain as to whether digitalization alone leads to improvements in Business Performance. This research analyses digitalization influence on Business Performance through Human Capital and the development of Corporate Social Responsibility activities. A survey was conducted among senior managers of maritime companies in order to collect data, which was analyzed by PLS-SEM techniques. The findings show that digitalization strongly improves the Human Capital, which in turn positively affects Corporate Social Responsibility and overall Business Performance. Additionally, both Human Capital and Corporate Social Responsibility have a direct and strong impact on Business Performance; digitalization does not significantly influence the business results by itself, rather digitalization needs of the Human Capital to improve Business Performance. The study concludes that digital transformation is only effective when it is associated with strong human resource development and socially responsible activities, which are crucial for enhancing sustainability and competitiveness within the maritime sector.

Keywords: Human Capital; Digitalization; Corporate Social Responsibility; Business Performance; Maritime sector