Artificial Intelligence as an Enabler of Dynamic Capabilities: A ‘Sense-Shape-Shift’ Perspective on Digital Transformation During Disruption

Organizations facing crises must rapidly adapt and embrace digital transformation to ensure continuity and competitiveness. This study examines how AI capability and organizational learning mechanisms support the development of dynamic capabilities—sensing, shaping, and shifting—and how these drive digital transformation and performance under disruption. Based on survey data from 257 executives and managers, a composite-based structural equation modeling approach was applied. The results show that AI capability significantly enhances dynamic capabilities, while learning mechanisms are essential for their development. Among these, shifting capability plays a critical role in enabling digital transformation and improving competitive performance during crises. These findings provide actionable insights for organizations aiming to strengthen resilience and adaptability by leveraging AI and learning. Dynamic capabilities, supported by technological and organizational enablers, are key to navigating disruption and sustaining advantage in volatile environments.