Muhammad Ishtiaq Ishaq, Head of MSc Digital Business Analytics and Associate Professor of Marketing at EMLV, presented his latest research at the Digital Transformation Society Conference 2026 in Naples. The study examines how digital leadership and responsible digital transformation contribute to ESG performance in public sector organisations.
As organisations integrate artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making and digital technologies into their operations, questions related to leadership, governance and sustainability continue to gain importance. These topics were at the centre of the Digital Transformation Society Conference 2026, hosted by the University of Naples Parthenope.
Research on leadership, digital transformation and ESG performance
During the conference, Muhammad Ishtiaq Ishaq presented a research paper entitled “Leadership and ESG Performance Relationship via Digital Transformation: A Multi-Study Design.”
Conducted with Ali Raza and Muhammad Junaid Ahsan, the study explores the relationship between digital leadership, responsible digital transformation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in public-sector organisations.
The research focuses on organisations facing increasing pressure to adopt digital technologies while maintaining transparency, accountability and ethical standards. It examines how leadership practices influence the implementation of digital initiatives and their contribution to sustainable organisational outcomes.
A multi-study approach to understanding digital transformation
The paper combines two complementary research methods. The first study relies on survey data collected from managers involved in digital initiatives within public sector organisations. The second uses an experimental design to analyse how different leadership and AI ethics scenarios influence perceptions of ESG performance.
The findings indicate that digital leadership is positively associated with ESG performance. The research also highlights the role of responsible digital transformation as a mechanism linking leadership practices to sustainability outcomes. In addition, AI ethics appears as an important factor influencing how digital technologies are designed, implemented and governed.
These conclusions contribute to ongoing discussions about the impact of technology on organisations and the responsibilities of leaders operating in increasingly digital environments.
Academic exchanges around digital transformation
The conference brought together researchers working on digital transformation, leadership, innovation and sustainability. The event provided an opportunity to present research findings, receive feedback from the academic community and engage in discussions on emerging challenges linked to digital technologies.
Sessions addressed topics ranging from organisational transformation and innovation management to the governance implications of artificial intelligence and sustainability practices. These exchanges contribute to the development of future research collaborations and the dissemination of new perspectives on digital transformation.
Among the contributors and speakers at the conference were Sana Elouaer-Mrizak, who chaired the session; Francesco Schiavone and Nessrine Omrani, who contributed to the organisation of the event; and Beatrice D’Ippolito, Paolo Aversa and Luigi M. De Luca, who shared insights on academic publishing and innovation research.
Research aligned with the transformations shaping organisations
At EMLV, research activities contribute to understanding the transformations affecting organisations, industries and society. Topics such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, governance, sustainability and responsible leadership are closely connected to the challenges faced by contemporary managers.
This work reflects EMLV’s broader ambition to contribute to debates on technological and societal transitions while integrating research insights into management education. Through its international faculty and research activity, the school helps future managers develop the analytical skills needed to navigate complex and evolving environments.
From Research to Management Education: A Focus on Digital Business Analytics
In addition to his research activities, Muhammad Ishtiaq Ishaq is the Head of the MSc Digital Business Analytics at EMLV.
Taught entirely in English, the programme explores the relationship between data, technology and business decision-making. Students develop expertise in data analytics, digital transformation and business innovation, preparing them to operate in data-driven environments across a wide range of industries.
The curriculum combines analytical skills, technological understanding and managerial perspectives, enabling graduates to translate data into actionable insights and contribute to organisational performance in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
This approach reflects EMLV’s ambition to prepare managers capable of connecting technology, business strategy and societal impact.
Learn more about EMLV’s research strategy
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