The role of trade associations in the digital transformation of their industry

PurposeThis paper aims that digital transformation (DT) is crucial for companies to stay competitive. While research on DT has quickly gained great popularity, the intersection of trade associations (TAs) and their role in the DT of their members is not yet researched.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors conducted 20 interviews with Belgian TAs to investigate the role of a TAs in the DT of its members, and how they drive the DT of its members. In addition, the authors investigate the core tasks of TAs, the need of the different industries to digitalize, and the digital projects the different industries are working on.FindingsThe findings indicate that TAs can be in a prime position to steer the DT of their members, especially for industries comprised of smaller players. Their roles can range from informing roles to true leaders of DT by creating novel products, such as online platforms and driving the entire sector forwards.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings call for more research into TAs and how their role can be optimized for steering DT of their members.Originality/valueThis is the first study to extensively study the role of TAs on the DT of their members.