Evolution of the impact of e-business technology on operational competence and firm profitability: A panel data investigation.

•We examine the evolution of the impact of e-business technology capability on operational competence and firm profitability.•This is an empirical study with a three-year panel dataset of 154 large firms in Spain for the period 2008–2010.•E-business technology has a positive effect on operational competence that decreases over time.•Operational competence has a positive impact on firm profitability that becomes more substantial over time.