(Re)Defining Digital Transformation in a Data-driven Era

digital transformation
Digital Transformation Defined

If you’ve read the myriad definitions of digital transformation and thought they sounded a decade old, you’re right. Many of the definitions, while certainly appropriate at the time, were focused on digitization over transformation (aka turning paper into PDFs). As a result, the definitions have become either too narrowly scoped or rich with meaningless buzzwords. 

At Kaleido Insights, we think it’s time to refine the definition of digital transformation to better reflect the data-driven era we find ourselves in. We’ve interviewed scores of business and technology leaders to gather inputs, as well as engaged in discussion on social media. The result is a working definition (read: it will keep evolving!) that speaks to the modern-day innovator’s charter: 

Digital Transformation:
A technological, cultural, and operational shift in which organizations leverage data to deliver customer value, innovate with agility, and sustain vitality.
-Kaleido Insights, 2019

We specifically focused on the changes that are happening to culture inside of an organization as a result of disruptive, data-rich technology adoption across the ecosystem. In our body of research around corporate innovation, the employee mindset and the way people work was the core aspect that needed to change for digital transformation to be successful. 

We also focused more on data vs. point technologies, as it is truly the driving force behind digital transformation’s value to customers and employees alike. After analyzing how companies are pushing to lead their market, it became apparent that they were striving to maintain vitality, a word that aptly describes strength, being active, energy, and continuance of life.

We want to hear from you. Does this definition speak to what you’re trying to achieve along the digital transformation journey? We’ll continually revisit this definition to ensure it encapsulates the goals and experiences of change agents like you.

And, if you need help in digitally transforming, we’re here for that too. We work with companies on their digital transformation efforts, through our advisory work, our Digital Directive research service, and thought-provoking speeches. Contact us today.