Webster Athens Study Explores GDPR’s Business Impact

A study by Dr. Dimitrios S. Stamoulis, head of the Business & Technology Department at Webster Athens, recently had research published exploring how General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance influences IT governance and digital transformation.

Published in the International Journal of Research in Engineering Technology and Management (IJRETM), the research presents GDPR as more than a regulatory requirement, highlighting its role in improving IT infrastructure, digital innovation, data management and business operations. This fills a crucial gap in existing literature by shifting the narrative from compliance challenges to opportunities.

The study “How GDPR Compliance Created Opportunities for Enhanced IT Governance And Digital Transformation Capabilities,” challenges the conventional view of GDPR as a financial and operational burden, instead analyzing how businesses in banking, retail and utilities have leveraged compliance efforts to strengthen governance and enhance competitiveness. By examining real-world applications of compliance strategies, the research identifies how organizations have adapted to GDPR requirements while improving IT infrastructure and data management, fostering digital transformation. 

The IJRETM is an open-access journal that publishes research on engineering, technology and management. 

Stamoulis’ research provides a different perspective by framing GDPR compliance as an opportunity rather than solely a requirement. The study draws on interviews with executives from the banking, retail and utilities sectors, offering practical insights into compliance-driven transformation. 

Dr. Dimitrios S. Stamoulis, head of the Business & Technology Department at Webster Athens 

“This study, based on interviews with executives from three industry sectors, demonstrates how the compliance process created opportunities for organizations to develop new capabilities beyond regulatory adherence,” Stamoulis said. 

As organizations continue to navigate evolving data protection laws, this study provides essential insights into how compliance can be transformed into a business enabler.

“Although regulatory compliance may have implications that are far reaching within organizations, it has not yet been given the appropriate attention as a factor of corporate growth and organizational maturity,” Stamoulis added. 

Banks leveraged GDPR to enhance data governance, risk management and Regulatory Technology (RegTech) integration. Retailers strengthened cybersecurity, redesigned processes, and improved consumer data rights management. Utilities used GDPR to map data flows, enabling business process re-engineering and the adoption of robotic process automatio (RPA) for greater efficiency. These findings demonstrate GDPR’s role as a catalyst for digital transformation and operational improvement across industries.

For further information, access the full research article or contact Webster Athens Business & Technology Department.

Dimitris Stamoulis is currently an Assistant Professor and Head of the Business & Technology Department at Webster Athens. He holds a BS in IT (University of Athens), a MS in IT (University of London), a PhD in IT Management (University of Athens) and a post-graduate diploma in Business Administration (University of Leicester, UK). He has work experience in the banking and consulting sectors and, in parallel, has extensive teaching experience at several Universities with content matter centering around information systems and management topics. Stamoulis has published 50 papers in academic journals and conferences.

About Webster Athens

Webster Athens is the only fully owned and accredited U.S. university campus in Greece, bringing the best of American education to the heart of Athens. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs that combine academic excellence with a unique cultural immersion, preparing students to succeed in an interconnected world. 

For more information about Webster Athens Business & Technology Department and its research opportunities, contact Webster Athens Admissions.