## 5 Discussion
This action requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to create a conducive framework for sustainable digital transformation. The results obtained from running the 18 SEM models also partially validate hypothesis H2, demonstrating that economic performance, measured by GDP per capita, can positively mediate the relationship between emerging digital technologies and progress towards some SDGs, if economic growth is sustainable. The analyses have shown that this mediation is significant only for certain SDGs, indicating a complex and diversified relationship between digitalization, economic performance, and sustainability. The literature supports the idea that a robust digital economy, fueled by sustainable economic growth, can accelerate progress toward sustainable development goals. [PERSON] et al. [67] argue that digital technologies enable more efficient resource management, reduce negative environmental impacts, and facilitate the transition to a circular economy. The research results partially confirm these assertions, demonstrating that, for certain SDGs, increased economic performance due to digitalization contributes to sustainable progress. Previous studies, such as those conducted by [PERSON] et al. [66] and [PERSON] et al. [67], emphasize that digitalization's economic component indirectly influences sustainable development through economic performance. According to this research, digitalization promotes sustainable economic growth, reduces social inequalities, and protects the environment. Our study highlights that although this mediating effect is present, it is not uniform for all SDGs. This fact suggests the need for a personalized approach to digitalization strategies to maximize benefits in different areas of sustainable development. [PERSON] et al. [77] and [PERSON] et al. [78] underscore the importance of applying emerging digital technologies for innovation and efficiency in various societal domains, accelerating progress toward a more sustainable and equitable world. This perspective is supported by our research findings, which show that countries with higher economic performance due to digitalization have made more significant strides in certain SDGs related to economy, health, education, and public and community governance (SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 11, SDG 16). However, the research results also indicate significant challenges. The research results show that the mediating effects of economic performance are not as strong in certain areas such as poverty, hunger, clean energy, social inequalities, and environmental protection. This fact suggests that while digitalization brings economic benefits, it needs to be integrated into broader sustainable development strategies to ensure a more uniform positive impact. [PERSON] [79] emphasizes that technological advancements require adaptation and a rethinking as to how we interact with the environment, the economy, and existing power structures. [PERSON] [80] and [PERSON] [81] argue that integrating emerging digital technologies into public policies can stimulate innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in various societal sectors. Our study confirms this need, highlighting the importance of a regulatory framework and a holistic strategy that includes investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation. It is only through such an approach that the economic benefits of digitalization can be transformed into significant progress in all areas of sustainable development [82; 83]. The partial validation of hypothesis H2 underscores the complexity of the relationship between digital technologies, economic performance, and SDG progress. Although there is a positive mediating effect on economic performance, this effect varies between different SDGs.