Strategic initiatives for advancing the digital economy in a developing country: insights from Indonesia using quadruple helix model

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the key barriers and enabling drivers that influence the advancement of the digital economy in a developing country context. Using Indonesia as a case study, this study explores how the Quadruple Helix (QH) stakeholders – government, business, academia and society – interact to shape digital transformation and formulates strategic initiatives tailored to each group. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used through focus group discussions with eight expert informants representing each QH stakeholder. Data were analyzed thematically, and a visual data structure was developed to identify the relationships among stakeholder roles, challenges and strategic initiatives. The analysis produced a conceptual framework grounded in the QH model. Findings The findings of this study reveal that each stakeholder faces distinct challenges: governments contend with fragmented policies and infrastructure gaps; businesses face digital skill shortages and funding constraints; academia struggles with curriculum relevance and digital pedagogy; and society experiences limited digital access and low literacy. Despite these barriers, drivers such as regulatory momentum, collaborative potential, technological advancement and civic digital engagement create opportunities for transformation. This study proposes stakeholder-specific strategies including a National Digital Economy Council, micro, small and medium enterprises digital support programs, industry-academic curriculum alignment and inclusive literacy initiatives. Practical implications The findings offer actionable insights for accelerating inclusive, collaborative digital transformation aligned with national development goals. Originality/value This study advances the application of the QH model by embedding it within a developing economy’s digital strategy. This study provides an integrated, stakeholder-focused framework that bridges institutional, technological and social dimensions.