This conceptual paper aims to discuss the crucial transformation of the impacts of big data analytics capability (BDAC) elements on business performance using the framework of sustainability reporting. The authors applied a literature review, content analysis, and bibliometric analysis as the core methodology for this study to define the key success factors for BDAC development in the organisation. The results are based on the theoretical framework of resource-based theory and knowledge-based theory and illustrate the link between BDAC elements and the financial and sustainability conceptualisation of business performance presented in the novel conceptual model. This study contributes to the literature by presenting a sustainability reporting diamond that defines BDAC elements’ key success factors necessary to integrate sustainability reporting in the organisational processes.

In this paper, we identify the synergic link between the organisational elements sustainability and digitalisation by implementing digital sustainability reporting (DSR) in the context of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Founded on bibliometric analyses and a literature-based scientific discussion, this conceptual paper provides modern definitions of sustainability, digitalisation, and digitainability. Additionally, based on analyses of the CSRD regulatory framework, a definition of DSR is suggested. Our findings align with those of other scholars who highlight the crucial role of digitainability in successfully executing organisational changes. Furthermore, the CSRD’s role in providing a digital framework for sustainability reporting (SR) and shaping organisational digitainability is outlined. This study uncovers a novel collection of emerging digitainability concepts compliant with the DSR requirements under which organisations can pursue organisational transformation. This paper also provides DSR-related recommendations to top management for adopting organisational systems to comply with CSRD reporting requirements.

A fundamental debate among sustainable development researchers and practitioners is whether, and through what mechanisms, sustainability contributes to gaining a competitive advantage. To address this consideration, this study draws on the general systems theory (GST), organisational information processing theory (OIPT), resource-based theory and recent studies on big data analytics capability (BDAC), digitalisation, sustainability, digital sustainability reporting (DSR), and business performance. A comprehensive research model was developed to assess the interrelationships and mediating effects of the mentioned constructs; the analyses utilised a sample of 75 large Latvian organisations preparing for the first reporting under Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The results obtained using partial least squares structural equation modelling contribute to the theory by revealing that digital sustainability reporting fully mediates the relationship between sustainability and business performance. Moreover, BDAC emerges as a fundamental enabler, forming the foundation of a “house” where digitainability and DSR serve as its walls and enhanced business performance as its roof. This study also contributes to the sustainability and sustainability accounting literature by presenting a sustainable business development framework that offers practical insights for organisations navigating the integration of sustainability reporting in highly uncertain environments.

In September 2024, the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) was transposed into the Latvian Sustainability Information Disclosure Law (Law). The law introduces new requirements for 296 large organisations to include a sustainability report (SR) prepared following European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) as a part of their management report in the annual report. The aim of this research is to understand the readiness of the Latvian market to ensure ESRS reporting. Thus, early in 2024, which is the first reporting year, the author performed the interpretive field study by conducting twelve semi-structured interviews with SR experts. The results revealed that data availability and quality are the main challenges when preparing the ESRS report. Experts suggested that ESRS reporting requires the introduction of regular sustainability accounting as an extension of conventional accounting and building enhanced sustainability data analytics for evidence-based decision-making. Conclusions show that to establish a transparent and cohesive approach to ESRS reporting, it is necessary to have an automated sustainability reporting system that embraces an assemblage of organisational sustainability and digitalisation. The recommendation for the management is to start early preparation and build robust internal big data analytics capability (BDAC) to guarantee a more cost-efficient approach to ESRS reporting.