Digital Transformation of Batik Businesses through Collaboration to Achieve Innovation and Social Justice
M. Rudianto 1*, Rebecca Cindy Sartika 2

1. Universitas Sebelas Maret
2. Universitas Tidar

Abstract

The study aims to analyze how collaborative digital transformation in the batik industry can drive sustainable innovation and create social justice through the involvement of various actors in the digital ecosystem. Micro and small-scale batik creative industries leverage digitalization as a means of technology adoption, as well as social engineering that involves strategic collaboration among business operators, creative communities, digital platforms, and government agencies. This research is a descriptive qualitative study using a case study approach, involving three batik businesses in Kampung Batik Laweyan, Surakarta City. The method used is MACTOR (Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives, and Recommendations) to map key actors, identify collective objectives, and analyze support relationships and conflicts among actors in driving inclusive and equitable digital transformation. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation of batik businesses that are connected in the digital ecosystem. This study uses the Digital Innovation Ecosystem framework and John Rawls^ Social Justice Theory to assess the extent to which relationships between actors contribute to economic value creation and social justice. The results of the study show that collaboration based on alignment of objectives and openness among actors can form strategic alliances that strengthen the competitiveness of batik businesses and expand social inclusivity, particularly through the involvement of women, people with disabilities, and rural communities. This study recommends the importance of developing collaborative ecosystem-based policies to accelerate digital transformation that is adaptable to technology and socially just.

Keywords: Digital Transformation, Batik Business, Collaboration, Innovation, Social Justice

Topic: Business Transformation in the Digital Era