The Determinants of Information Technology Capabilities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Information technology (IT) capabilities have become central to organizational competitiveness, innovation, agility, and digital transformation. However, the factors that contribute to the development of these capabilities remain dispersed across different theoretical perspectives, organizational contexts, and research streams. This systematic review aims to identify, classify, and synthesize the determinants of IT capabilities and to clarify their strategic significance for organizations operating in dynamic and technology-intensive environments. A systematic literature review was conducted using a structured search, screening, eligibility assessment, and study-selection process guided by PRISMA 2020 principles. Thirty studies meeting the inclusion criteria were retained for analysis. A literature review matrix was used to code the studies according to IT capabilities, technological factors, organizational factors, leadership and management, human capital and IT competencies, knowledge and learning, IT governance and strategic alignment, environmental and contextual factors, innovation and digital transformation, and organizational performance. The review shows that IT capabilities are shaped by multiple interrelated determinants rather than by technological investment alone. The principal determinants include technological infrastructure and architecture, organizational conditions, leadership and managerial support, human capital, knowledge and learning processes, governance and strategic alignment, and environmental context. The findings also demonstrate that strong IT capabilities contribute to organizational performance, innovation, agility, resilience, and digital transformation. IT capability development should be understood as a multidimensional and dynamic organizational process involving the coordinated interaction of technological, managerial, human, knowledge-based, governance, and contextual factors. The review provides an integrated framework for understanding these determinants and highlights the need for future longitudinal, multilevel, and context-sensitive research.