Sorin Constantin NACU1, Aurel Mihail TITU2,3, Cristina Maria BĂTUȘARU4 and Raman Teja VENIGALLA5,6
Abstract. This paper explores how digital maturity can be assessed and improved in quality management systems within a knowledge-based organization. The study proposes a conceptual model that integrates key dimensions of digital maturity and strategy, processes, technology, data, people, and organizational culture, specifically tailored to quality management. Building on existing approaches to digital maturity and Quality 4.0, the paper defines maturity levels and operational indicators for each dimension, then applies the model in a single case study of a knowledge-based organization. Data are collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in the quality management system. The results highlight uneven digital maturity across dimensions, with stronger capabilities in process formalization and weaker development in data integration and advanced analytics. Based on the identified gaps, the article formulates a set of optimization measures, including process digitalization projects, improved data governance, and capability-building initiatives for staff. The paper contributes a practical assessment and optimization framework that can support organizations seeking to align their quality management systems with the requirements of digital transformation in knowledge-based environments.
Keywords: digital maturity, quality management systems, knowledge-based organizations, Quality 4.0, maturity assessment model, digital transformation, process optimization, data governance, organizational capabilities.
DOI 10.56082/annalsarscieco.2026.4.22
1 National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independenței, București, Romania, ORCID No. 0009-0004-3556-6394, n.sorin2012@gmail.com,
2 Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 10 Victoriei Street, Sibiu, Romania, Corresponding author, ORCID No. 0000-0002-0054-6535, mihail.titu@ulbsibiu.ro,
3Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, Bucharest, Romania,
4Department of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy of Sibiu, Revolutiei Street, nr. 3-5, Sibiu, SB 550170, Romania, ORCID No. 0000-0003-1458-3318, batusaru.cristina@armyacademy.ro,
5Department of Data Engineering and Exploratory Analysis, Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland, ORCID No. 0009-0006-8274-9913, vramanteja@gmail.com,
6IBS Global, Piekary Śląskie, Śląskie, Poland
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Economy, Law, Sociology, Volume 9 no 4, 2026