Patterns of Digitization

Research-Technology Management, vol. 63, pp. 27–35

Abstract

Overview: Digital transformation is reshaping entire segments and industries: communications, retail, and, increasingly, health care, medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. While a few companies reach front-runner status, most seem to lag. Digital transformation is a top concern of senior leaders worldwide and motivated the development of this study. This article describes the results of the Patterns of Digitization survey designed to assess how companies are implementing digital transformation. The survey covers the various strategies companies employ, the technologies they invest in, and, in particular, the actions they take to overcome the organizational resistance that is common in most large-scale transformations. We highlight important actions all companies are taking to digitally transform their businesses and the differentiated actions of digitally mature organizations. The insights gleaned from the study should help lagging companies understand what is involved in implementing a digital transformation and what they need to do to catch up.

Authors 5

1. Paul Mugge

   North Carolina State University

   Affiliation as printed

   Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University

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2. Haroon R. Abbu
   Affiliation as printed

   Bell and Howell headquartered in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, United States

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3. Timothy L. Michaelis

   Northern Illinois University

   Affiliation as printed

   Northern Illinois University College of Business

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4. Alexander Kwiatkowski Aachen FIR Institute for Industrial Management

   FIR e. V. an der RWTH Aachen · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   FIR Institute for Industrial Management at RWTH Aachen University in Germany

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5. Gerhard Gudergan Aachen FIR Institute for Industrial Management

   FIR e. V. an der RWTH Aachen · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   FIR Institute for Industrial Management at RWTH Aachen University in Germany

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