The evolution of e-business has traversed various stages, each marked by distinct technological advancements. The current epoch, commonly referred to as E-Business 5.0, signifies a paradigm shift characterized by intelligent systems and interconnected ecosystems. Scholars in the field emphasize the pivotal role of smart technologies and innovations in shaping this new era. A substantial body of research underscores the transformative impact of intelligent automation and robotics in E-Business 5.0. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies has been demonstrated to significantly enhance operational efficiency. Robotic process automation (RPA), a crucial component of intelligent automation, not only streamlines routine tasks but also contributes to coordinated and responsive business processes. The literature reveals that blockchain technology is foundational to E-Business 5.0. Its decentralized and secure nature provides a tamper-resistant platform for transactions, mitigating the risks associated with data breaches and fraudulent activities
Top1. Introduction
The evolution of E-Business has been a distinctive journey, consistently influenced by technological advancements and shifts in the business landscape. As organizations progress through various stages of digitization, from the early adoption of online transactions to the current era of E-Business 5.0, the incorporation of intelligent technologies and innovations remains a defining factor shaping the digital future (Smith et al., 2022; Brown & Johnson, 2021).
The historical trajectory of E-Business reveals a series of transformative phases. Commencing with the rudimentary online presence of E-Business 1.0, characterized by static web pages, subsequent stages witnessed the infusion of interactivity and e-commerce platforms in E-Business 2.0. The proliferation of mobile technologies in E-Business 3.0 and the advent of online entertainment in E-Business 4.0 facilitated broader accessibility and heightened connectivity, introducing new elements of customer engagement (Choi & Varian, 2012; Miorandi et al., 2012). These evolutionary advancements set the groundwork for the ongoing paradigm shift embodied in E-Business 5.0.
E-Business 5.0 represents a pivotal moment in the evolutionary trajectory, characterized by the integration of intelligent systems and interconnected ecosystems (Brown, 2020). This stage transcends the transactional nature of its predecessors and is distinguished by its dynamic, adaptable, and personalized features. At the core of E-Business 5.0 lies the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and edge computing (Jones & Wang, 2020). These technologies collectively empower businesses to harness the power of data for enhanced autonomous decision-making, operational efficiency, and customer experiences. Recent examples demonstrate the tangible application of E-Business 5.0 principles. Autonomous delivery drones, employed by leading e-commerce entities, exemplify the integration of intelligent systems into operations, providing swift and efficient order fulfilment (Li et al., 2019). Moreover, personalized recommendation algorithms, driven by advanced artificial intelligence, signify the shift towards tailoring customer experiences based on individual preferences, a hallmark of E-Business 5.0 (Jones & Wang, 2020).