## 1 Introduction  
In the era of rapid technological advancements, digital transformation has emerged as a pivotal force reshaping economies across the globe [1]. In this context, global initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underscore the importance of integrating digital transformation with sustainable practices. As part of the EU's efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, these policies encourage member states, particularly emerging economies such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Romania, to adopt digital technologies that not only foster economic growth but also contribute to environmental sustainability. For these countries, digitalization presents a unique opportunity to accelerate their development while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and promoting green growth in line with EU priorities. While classifications of emerging markets vary, institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continue to categorize Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Romania as emerging economies based on factors such as income levels, market accessibility, and financial system maturity [2, 3, 4, 5]. For these emerging economies within the European Union (EU), the integration of digital technologies presents both opportunities and challenges. While digitalization drives economic growth and enhances competitiveness, its environmental implications remain a critical area of investigation. The intersection of digital transformation and environmental sustainability has garnered significant attention, particularly in the context of mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development [6]. The definition of digital transformation has not reached a consensus among academic researchers [7]. These definitions highlight various characteristics of digital transformation but do not provide concrete definitions [8]. However, [PERSON] et al. [9] define digital transformation as the necessity for companies to enhance their competitiveness in the internet era by providing goods and services both online and offline through the use of new technologies. Similarly, [PERSON] et al. [10] describe digital transformation as the utilization of digital technologies to achieve significant improvements in business, including optimizing operational processes, enhancing customer experience, and developing new business models. To better understand the concept of digital technology, the literature defines this term as a set and new paradigm of intelligent and innovative technologies within the context of Industry 4.0, which includes big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, all of which facilitate connectivity, communication, and process automation [11; 12]. In the context of this diversity of definitions and perspectives on digital transformation, it is important to emphasize that, regardless of specific definitions, the literature acknowledges the essential role of digital technologies in modernizing economies and enhancing competitiveness while also supporting the transition to more sustainable economic practices. Additionally, digital technology impacts traditional industries by providing smart equipment and production management methods that support environmentally friendly production techniques, thereby encouraging the modernization and transformation of traditional industries to reduce carbon emissions [13]. Furthermore, digital investments drive clean productivity growth through the development of sustainable production processes [14]. Within the European Union, this process is particularly significant for emerging countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Poland, as these economies face substantial challenges related to sustainable development, including the need to reduce air emissions and increase the use of renewable energy. The United Nations has adopted a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with the primary aim of eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring equitable prosperity globally [15].