Shahid Beheshti University Journal of Business Management Perspective 2251-6050 24 61 2025 03 21 The Strategic Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Digital Economy: A Framework for Hamrah-e Aval The Strategic Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Digital Economy: A Framework for Hamrah-e Aval 123 144 106193 10.48308/jbmp.2025.240057.1675 FA Siavash Salavatian Department of Communication, Faculty of Communication and Media, University of Radio and Television of Iran, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0003-3894-2792 Seyyed Mohammd Mahdi Sadeghi Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadegh University, Tehran, Iran 0009-0008-8720-102X Journal Article 2025 05 26 <strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to transform Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into a strategic lever for leadership and sustainable value creation within the digital economy. It explores the strategic role of CSR at Hamrah-e Aval (Mobile Telecommunication Company of Iran – MCI) and identifies the desired vision and pathways to elevate CSR to a strategic level.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative research employed a case study methodology and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 key stakeholders, complemented by documentary analysis.<br /><strong>Results: </strong>The findings are categorized into six key themes: establishment of a strategic CSR system; focus on digital advantages; leadership of the innovation ecosystem; digital response to societal needs; transparency and trust-building; and commitment to human capital and the environment. The results indicate that a strategic CSR approach, linked with core technological capabilities and focused on creating shared value (CSV), can serve as a driving force for realizing Hamrah-e Aval’s vision of becoming the “largest digital economy holding” and the “most popular Iranian company.”<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study highlights the importance of integrating CSR with organizational strategy and digital transformation. Practical recommendations include developing a digital CSR roadmap, establishing an effective governance structure, and enhancing transparency to strengthen CSR’s strategic impact. <strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to transform Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into a strategic lever for leadership and sustainable value creation within the digital economy. It explores the strategic role of CSR at Hamrah-e Aval (Mobile Telecommunication Company of Iran – MCI) and identifies the desired vision and pathways to elevate CSR to a strategic level.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative research employed a case study methodology and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 key stakeholders, complemented by documentary analysis.<br /><strong>Results: </strong>The findings are categorized into six key themes: establishment of a strategic CSR system; focus on digital advantages; leadership of the innovation ecosystem; digital response to societal needs; transparency and trust-building; and commitment to human capital and the environment. The results indicate that a strategic CSR approach, linked with core technological capabilities and focused on creating shared value (CSV), can serve as a driving force for realizing Hamrah-e Aval’s vision of becoming the “largest digital economy holding” and the “most popular Iranian company.”<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study highlights the importance of integrating CSR with organizational strategy and digital transformation. Practical recommendations include developing a digital CSR roadmap, establishing an effective governance structure, and enhancing transparency to strengthen CSR’s strategic impact. https://jbmp.sbu.ac.ir/article_106193_45c9ba2c684f145999a9be8d2567d24b.pdf