Digital Transformation as A Driver of Sustainable Economic Growth Through Changes in Employment Structure

Authors

  • Khairul Politeknik Negeri Medan
  • Diena Fadhilah Politeknik Negeri Medan
  • Supaino Politeknik Negeri Medan
  • Mardelia Desfrida Politeknik Negeri Medan
  • Jasa Ginting Politeknik Negeri Medan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsas.v4i8.54

Keywords:

digital transformation; employment structure; sustainable economic growth.

Abstract

Digital transformation has become a crucial factor in driving economic growth through increased productivity, investment efficiency, innovation, and expanded market access. However, technological developments are also changing the labor structure by reducing the need for routine work and increasing the demand for digitally skilled, analytical, creative, and adaptive workers. This article aims to analyze the role of digital transformation in driving sustainable economic growth through changes in the labor structure and identify opportunities and challenges for Indonesia. The research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive literature study method. Secondary data were obtained from scientific journal articles published at least since 2025 and official publications from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Bank Indonesia, and the World Bank. The data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic analysis covering economic productivity, changes in skills demand, shifts in job types, the risk of structural unemployment, informality, and environmental sustainability. The analysis shows that digital transformation contributes to economic growth through strengthening digital infrastructure, digitizing MSMEs, expanding electronic transactions, and creating new jobs in the technology and service sectors. However, these benefits have not been fully distributed due to persistent skills gaps, unequal access to technology between regions, the risk of reduced routine jobs, and weak protection for platform workers. Digital transformation can only generate inclusive and sustainable economic growth if supported by equitable infrastructure, strengthening vocational education, improving digital skills, protecting the workforce, developing MSMEs, and implementing environmentally friendly technologies.

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Khairul, Fadhilah, D., Supaino, Desfrida, M., & Ginting, J. (2026). Digital Transformation as A Driver of Sustainable Economic Growth Through Changes in Employment Structure. International Journal of Sustainable Applied Sciences, 4(8), 1035–1048. https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsas.v4i8.54

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Articles