2015 | Christian Matt · Thomas Hess · Alexander Benlian
Digital transformation strategies are essential for firms to adapt to new digital technologies and integrate them into their operations. These strategies aim to coordinate and prioritize digital transformations, affecting products, processes, organizational structures, and management concepts. Unlike traditional IT strategies, which focus on managing IT infrastructure, digital transformation strategies take a business-centric approach, focusing on transforming products, processes, and organizational aspects through new technologies. They also consider the broader impact on customer interactions, digital activities, and business models.
Digital transformation strategies are influenced by four key dimensions: use of technologies, changes in value creation, structural changes, and financial aspects. These dimensions must be closely aligned to ensure the successful implementation of a digital transformation strategy. The use of technologies involves a company's attitude and ability to exploit new technologies. Changes in value creation concern the impact of digital transformation on value chains and the potential for expanding product and service portfolios. Structural changes involve adjustments in organizational setup, while financial aspects consider the urgency and ability to finance digital transformations.
Procedural aspects of digital transformation strategies include defining clear responsibilities, ensuring top management support, and continuous reassessment of strategies. These strategies require ongoing evaluation and adaptation due to the rapid pace of technological change. Research is needed to further understand the elements and success patterns of digital transformation strategies, as well as the procedural aspects and responsibilities involved. Additionally, integrating digital transformation strategies into firms requires alignment with other business strategies and a clear understanding of the role of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Further research is needed to provide guidelines for firms on how to effectively implement and evaluate digital transformation strategies.Digital transformation strategies are essential for firms to adapt to new digital technologies and integrate them into their operations. These strategies aim to coordinate and prioritize digital transformations, affecting products, processes, organizational structures, and management concepts. Unlike traditional IT strategies, which focus on managing IT infrastructure, digital transformation strategies take a business-centric approach, focusing on transforming products, processes, and organizational aspects through new technologies. They also consider the broader impact on customer interactions, digital activities, and business models.
Digital transformation strategies are influenced by four key dimensions: use of technologies, changes in value creation, structural changes, and financial aspects. These dimensions must be closely aligned to ensure the successful implementation of a digital transformation strategy. The use of technologies involves a company's attitude and ability to exploit new technologies. Changes in value creation concern the impact of digital transformation on value chains and the potential for expanding product and service portfolios. Structural changes involve adjustments in organizational setup, while financial aspects consider the urgency and ability to finance digital transformations.
Procedural aspects of digital transformation strategies include defining clear responsibilities, ensuring top management support, and continuous reassessment of strategies. These strategies require ongoing evaluation and adaptation due to the rapid pace of technological change. Research is needed to further understand the elements and success patterns of digital transformation strategies, as well as the procedural aspects and responsibilities involved. Additionally, integrating digital transformation strategies into firms requires alignment with other business strategies and a clear understanding of the role of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Further research is needed to provide guidelines for firms on how to effectively implement and evaluate digital transformation strategies.