Selecting Technologies for Sustainable Digital Transformation in Commercial Banks: An Integrated Delphi – ANP Approach

Abstract

Sustainable digital transformation (STD) has become a global strategic priority because organisations face pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. This study developed an integrated evaluation framework to help commercial banks (CBs) select and prioritise technology applications that improve the effectiveness of STD. We used the Delphi method and conducted in-depth interviews with 18 senior executives at CBs in Vietnam to identify nine evaluation criteria and reach consensus. Risk level had the highest weight. This result reflected the sector’s caution about cybersecurity challenges. We applied the Analytic Network Process (ANP) to model interdependencies among the criteria and derive technology priorities. The main finding indicated a rollout in decreasing priority: Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Robotic Process Automation, Blockchain, and Internet of Things. Sensitivity analysis confirmed that, if the weight of the environmental criterion increased, Cloud Computing could overtake Artificial Intelligence. This finding affirmed the role of cloud infrastructure in supporting green objectives. Theoretically, the study extended the TOE framework and Dynamic Capabilities by integrating ESG criteria into the technology selection model. It also advanced a Delphi–ANP procedure that handled nonlinear dependencies. In practice, the study provided a staged technology roadmap and underscored the need for data governance to help banks balance short-term economic gains with long-term sustainability responsibilities.