Digital Transformation

What is Digital Transformation?

The term digital transformation is not yet universally defined. Rather, the relevance of several dimensions of digital transformation is apparent (Schallmo et al., 2017). Due to the diversity of the term, it is therefore insufficient to consider only one definition of digital transformation. Rather, it makes more sense to mention several definitions from different perspectives in order to be able to present the range of relevant aspects that are important in digital transformation.

 

Why Digital Transformation?

Parallel to the question of a formal definition of the term digital transformation, i.e. what, the question of why should also be asked, i.e. why digital transformation should take place or be necessary. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) cites three central motivations for this:  
Firstly, the existing core business of companies should be strengthened. Secondly, the BMWi sees the development of new markets and business areas as an opportunity for digital transformation. Furthermore, as a third aspect, the BMWi sees digital transformation as a driver of digital innovation activities for idea generation and validation with the aim of "generating digital knowledge and innovative ideas for the long-term future of the company" (Matischok et al., 2020). 

 

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