The Impact of Digital Leadership on Innovation Performance: The Mediating Role of Digitalization Capability

Abstract

In an era of rapid digital transformation, organizations must leverage digital leadership to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. This study explores the relationship between digital leadership, digitalization capability, and innovation performance, focusing on white-collar employees in Turkey. Using a survey-based quantitative approach, data were collected from 119 professionals across various industries. The findings reveal that digital leadership has a positive but moderate impact on innovation performance, while digitalization capability plays a stronger role in enhancing innovation outcomes. Regression analysis indicates that digital leadership significantly influences digitalization capability, which in turn has a substantial effect on innovation performance. These results highlight the importance of developing digital leadership competencies and integrating digital strategies into organizational innovation processes. The study contributes to the growing body of research on digital transformation by emphasizing the need for business leaders to adopt digital strategies that foster innovation. Practical implications suggest that organizations should invest in digital literacy, leadership training, and technology adoption to sustain innovative performance in the digital economy. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.