Innovation Leadership as a Driver of Digital Transformation and Pathway to Green Growth: Evidence from Managers in Dubai and Germany

Abstract

This paper examines whether innovation leadership (IL) drives both the extent and the success of digital
transformation (DT) and how successful DT may relate to Green Growth. Using a quantitative,
explanatory design, primary data were collected via a structured questionnaire from 30 managers in
Dubai and Germany (purposive sampling). IL and DT were measured on 5-point Likert scales. Analyses
in SPSS confirmed reliability and validity, normality, and a strong positive association between IL and
DT (r = 0.840, p < 0.001). Regression results showed that IL explains about 71% of the variance in DT
(R² = 0.706, p < 0.001), supporting the study’s hypothesis that leadership is a key driver of digital
transformation outcomes. While Green Growth was not directly measured, the findings suggest that
leadership-driven DT can create conditions for efficiency, eco-innovation, and alignment with the UN
Sustainable Development Goals. The study contributes by distinguishing DT existence from success and
linking leadership-driven transformation to sustainability priorities.