Optimizing Technology to Improve Management Efficiency in the Creative Economy

Digital transformation has become a central pillar in building a sustainable creative economy, yet most existing studies examine technology adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) generically, without disaggregating how specific technologies translate into management efficiency across creative sub-sectors such as fashion, culinary, and design. This article addresses that gap by examining how the optimization of information and communication technology can improve managerial efficiency and business sustainability within Indonesia's creative economy. Using a qualitative descriptive design combining systematic literature review, document analysis, and multi-sector case illustration, data were drawn from thirty peer-reviewed sources published mainly between 2021 and 2026, triangulated with policy reports. The novelty of this study lies in a proposed Digital Management Efficiency in the Creative Economy (DMECE) framework that links specific technologies, including enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, e-commerce platforms, cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, to concrete efficiency outcomes by sub-sector. Findings show that technology optimization accelerates production, expands market reach, and strengthens competitiveness, while infrastructure limitations, low digital literacy, and organizational resistance remain persistent barriers. The study recommends participatory, collaboration-based management strategies supported by policy interventions, offering practical guidance for creative economy managers, policymakers, and future researchers seeking to strengthen digital managerial capacity.

1. Adesina, A. A., Iyelolu, T. V., & Paul, P. O. (2024). Optimizing business processes with advanced analytics: Techniques for efficiency and productivity improvement. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 22(3), 1927-1934. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.3.1960
2. Anjaningrum, W., Azizah, N., & Suryadi, N. (2024). Spurring SMEs' performance through business intelligence, organizational and network learning, customer value anticipation, and innovation: Empirical evidence of the creative economy sector in East Java, Indonesia. Heliyon, 10(6), e27998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27998
3. Astuty, N. M. R. K. (2026). The role of digital innovation (AI, IoT, and Big Data) in accelerating circular economy business models in the creative industries: A systematic literature review. Eduvest - Journal of Universal Studies, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v6i3.52399
4. Ayu, G., Agustini, A., Sudjiman, L., & Bagenda, C. (2024). Analysis of the relationship between supply chain management and business performance in the creative economy sector. SULTANIST: Jurnal Manajemen dan Keuangan, 12(2), 210-221. https://doi.org/10.37403/sultanist.v12i2.643
5. Cosa, M., & Torelli, R. (2024). Digital transformation and flexible performance management: A systematic literature review of the evolution of performance measurement systems. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 25, 445-466. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-024-00409-9
6. Faiz, F., Le, V., & Masli, E. K. (2024). Determinants of digital technology adoption in innovative SMEs. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 9(4), 100610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2024.100610
7. Fan, Z., & Wardi, R. (2025). Digital design tools' impact on organizational performance: A model for Chinese graphic design agencies. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6i1.634
8. Guo, Q., & Rungsrisawat, S. (2025). The moderating role of cooperation and job satisfaction in the Wanghong industry: The impact of technological integration on power dynamics and creative labor management. Journal of Posthumanism, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v5i5.1605
9. Harfizar, Wisnu, M., Wicaksono, M., Hakim, F. B., Wijaya, H., & Saleh, E. T. (2024). Analyzing the influence of artificial intelligence on digital innovation: A SmartPLS approach. IAIC Transactions on Sustainable Digital Innovation, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.34306/itsdi.v5i2.659
10. Kallmuenzer, A., Mikhaylov, A., Chelaru, M., & Czakon, W. (2024). Adoption and performance outcome of digitalization in small and medium-sized enterprises. Review of Managerial Science, 19, 2011-2038. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-024-00744-2
11. Khan, W., & Atmani, H. E. (2025). Information technology as a catalyst for innovation and sustainability in the creative industry. Jurnal Genesis Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.56741/iistr.jgi.001861
12. Le Dinh, T., Vu, M.-C., & Tran, G. T. C. (2025). Artificial intelligence in SMEs: Enhancing business functions through technologies and applications. Information, 16(5), 415. https://doi.org/10.3390/info16050415
13. Naik, A. R., & Nuzula, I. (2026). Exploring the role of IT usage in enhancing customer satisfaction: A literature review on SMEs in the creative industries. Jurnal Genesis Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.56741/iistr.jgi.001860
14. Öngel, V., Günsel, A., Çelik, G. G., Altındağ, E., & Tatlı, H. S. (2023). Digital leadership's influence on individual creativity and employee performance: A view through the generational lens. Behavioral Sciences, 14(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14010003
15. Ortiz-Ospino, L., González-Sarmiento, E., & Roa-Perez, J. (2025). Technology trends in the creative and cultural industries sector: A systematic literature review. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-025-00497-6
16. Palad, J. B. (2023). Strategies for improving organizational efficiency, productivity, and performance through technology adoption. Journal of Management and Administration Provision, 2(3), 148-160. https://doi.org/10.55885/jmap.v2i3.230
17. Pererva, I., & Mazorenko, O. (2025). Digital transformation of creative industries: Challenges, opportunities and the role of digital tools. Actual Problems of Innovative Economy and Law, (1). https://doi.org/10.36887/2524-0455-2025-1-11
18. Ratna, Purnomo, Y. J., & Sutrisno. (2024). The role of innovation and creativity in business management to enhance SME economy in the creative industry. Indo-Fintech Intellectuals: Journal of Economics and Business, 4(3), 858-871. https://doi.org/10.54373/ifijeb.v4i3.1473
19. Seclen-Luna, J. P., Castro Vergara, R., & Lopez Valladares, H. (2022). Effects of the use of digital technologies on the performance of firms in a developing country: Are there differences between creative and manufacturing industries? International Journal of Information Systems and Project Management, 10(1), 61-79. https://doi.org/10.12821/ijispm100104
20. Seppänen, S., Ukko, J., & Saunila, M. (2025). Understanding determinants of digital transformation and digitizing management functions in incumbent SMEs. Digital Business, 5(1), 100106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.digbus.2025.100106
21. Sharabati, A., Ali, A., Allahham, M., Hussein, A. M. A., Alheet, A., & Mohammad, A. S. (2024). The impact of digital marketing on the performance of SMEs: An analytical study in light of modern digital transformations. Sustainability, 16(19), 8667. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198667
22. Tang, W., & Yang, S. (2023). Enterprise digital management efficiency under cloud computing and big data. Sustainability, 15(17), 13063. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713063
23. Trofimova, N. (2025). Managing enterprise operational efficiency in the context of digital transformation. Accounting and Control. https://doi.org/10.36871/u.i.k.2025.10.02.020
24. Triwahyono, B., Rahayu, T., & Kraugusteeliana, K. (2023). Analysing the role of technological innovation in improving the operational efficiency of MSMEs. Jurnal Minfo Polgan, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.33395/jmp.v12i1.12791
25. Uddin, N. A., Faisal, M. M., Salman, T. M., Arian, M., Tanzina, E. H., & Abdul, M. K. (2026). Evaluating the impact of technology management on multimedia production efficiency. Theoretical and Applied Technological Science Review, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.64907/xkmf.v4i1.tatscr.3
26. ul Haq, F., Suki, N. M., Zaigham, H., Masood, A., & Rajput, A. (2025). Exploring AI adoption and SME performance in resource-constrained environments: A TOE-RBV perspective with mediation and moderation effects. Journal of Digital Economy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdec.2025.07.002
27. Vrontis, D., Chaudhuri, R., & Chatterjee, S. (2022). Adoption of digital technologies by SMEs for sustainability and value creation: Moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation. Sustainability, 14(13), 7949. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137949
28. Yani, A., Manafe, M. W. N., & Santosa, S. (2025). Analysis of the role of digital technology in driving business model innovation in MSMEs: Implications for enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable economic growth. Technology and Society Perspectives (TACIT), 3(1). https://doi.org/10.61100/tacit.v3i1.253
29. Yu, J., Wang, J., & Moon, T.-E. (2022). Influence of digital transformation capability on operational performance. Sustainability, 14(13), 7909. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137909
30. Zhao, X., Shen, L., & Jiang, Z. (2024). The impact of the digital economy on creative industries development: Empirical evidence based on the China. PLOS ONE, 19(3), e0299232. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299232