Leveraging Enterprise Architecture for Digital Transformation in Energy and Regulated Sectors: A Cross-Sector Perspective – The Czech Republic Case Study

This study investigates Enterprise Architecture (EA) as a strategic enabler of digital transformation (DT) and digital maturity (DM) within smart energy systems, focusing on Czech energy utilities operating under stringent regulatory frameworks. EA is conceptualized as a socio-technical coordination mechanism that aligns business and IT, integrates operational technology (OT) with digital platforms, and supports governance through standards and modelling languages such as TOGAF and ArchiMate. A mixed-method design was applied, combining a cross-sector survey with semi-structured interviews to capture adoption patterns, inhibitors, and tool practices across energy, finance, and public administration. Results reveal that energy utilities lead in EA maturity, particularly in ArchiMate-based TO-BE modeling, reflecting their role in grid modernization, renewable integration, and operational resilience within complex energy systems. Qualitative insights highlight a shared governance core, encompassing business-IT alignment, decision rights, and change management, while sector-specific differences emerge in areas such as interfaces, cultural readiness, and portfolio linkages. The results confirm EA’s dual role as a governance instrument and communication platform, enabling traceable decisions under regulatory constraints and fostering stakeholder engagement. Implications for practice include the need for configurable EA frameworks integrated with project and program management to accelerate smart grid initiatives and sustainability objectives across energy systems. Future research should investigate the causal relationships between EA maturity, stakeholder effectiveness, and DT success metrics in diverse regulatory environments.