DARQ in India: Opportunities, Barriers and Corporate Insights on Disruptive Digital Technologies

Abstract

The convergence of Distributed Ledger Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, and Quantum Computing—collectively referred to as DARQ technologies—is significantly transforming global enterprise ecosystems. This study investigates the opportunities, barriers, and corporate perceptions associated with DARQ adoption in India, with a specific focus on organizational readiness, strategic intent, and risk evaluation among corporate executives and white-collar professionals. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data collected from 320 respondents across key sectors including information technology, banking and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, along with qualitative insights from industry professionals. Statistical tools such as descriptive analysis, multiple regression, and structural equation modelling are employed to examine the relationships between perceived usefulness, organizational readiness, environmental support, adoption intention, and threat perception. The findings indicate strong optimism toward Artificial Intelligence and block chain technologies as immediate drivers of operational efficiency and competitive advantage. Perceived usefulness emerges as the most significant determinant of adoption intention, while organizational readiness significantly influences expected breakthrough outcomes. However, threat perception—particularly related to cyber security risks, workforce displacement, and regulatory uncertainty—negatively impacts adoption decisions. Quantum computing is perceived as a long-term strategic technology with limited short-term applicability. The study contributes to the understanding of emerging technology adoption in developing economies and provides practical insights for policymakers and corporate leaders to facilitate sustainable and secure implementation of DARQ technologies in India.