Paper Number
ECIS2026-2870
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
This study examines the intersection of sustainability transformation and digitalization with their impact on the cybersecurity of critical energy infrastructures. Although a variety of associated technical and strategic solutions exists, there is a lack of research that captures how digitalization and sustainability transformation, shaped by digital technologies increasing cybersecurity risks and the shift from high-emission fossil fuels to low-emission renewable energy sources, affect the cybersecurity of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Using the complex adaptive systems theory and 16 expert interviews, we close this gap by providing eight emerging patterns, illustrating in how far Small and Medium-sized Enterprises successfully achieve cybersecurity. With our research, we contribute a practical review to the technology and strategy dominated discourse, allowing to create new solutions or adapt existing measures to actual requirements. Our theoretical and practical contributions include the emerging patterns identified, the structuring of trends, and the derivation of implications for practitioners.
Recommended Citation
Weiß, Florian; Guggenberger, Tobias; Rex, Alexander; and Schuell, Moritz, "The David-Goliath Gap Throughout The Evolution Of Critical Energy Infrastructure Cybersecurity: An Analysis From A Complex Adaptive Systems Theory Perspective" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 21.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/security/security/21
The David-Goliath Gap Throughout The Evolution Of Critical Energy Infrastructure Cybersecurity: An Analysis From A Complex Adaptive Systems Theory Perspective
This study examines the intersection of sustainability transformation and digitalization with their impact on the cybersecurity of critical energy infrastructures. Although a variety of associated technical and strategic solutions exists, there is a lack of research that captures how digitalization and sustainability transformation, shaped by digital technologies increasing cybersecurity risks and the shift from high-emission fossil fuels to low-emission renewable energy sources, affect the cybersecurity of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Using the complex adaptive systems theory and 16 expert interviews, we close this gap by providing eight emerging patterns, illustrating in how far Small and Medium-sized Enterprises successfully achieve cybersecurity. With our research, we contribute a practical review to the technology and strategy dominated discourse, allowing to create new solutions or adapt existing measures to actual requirements. Our theoretical and practical contributions include the emerging patterns identified, the structuring of trends, and the derivation of implications for practitioners.
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