Tackling Hurdles to Digital Transformation — The Role of Competencies for Successful Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Implementation

Abstract

Scientific research and innovation management practice have emphasised the important role of individual competencies in meeting the challenges of the digital transformation. However, it still lacks empirical studies that strive to determine how certain competencies of employees might affect the success of the digital transformation itself. In order to empirically determine the individual contribution of specific employee competencies to a successful digital transformation in terms of a high Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) usage performance, a quantitative study among German component manufacturers of the capital goods industry was conducted. Drawing upon a sample of 284 employees, our results reveal that high developed cognitive and processual competencies of individuals promote the digital transformation processes of a firm. Surprisingly, social competencies have only a little influence. Furthermore, our findings also confirmed that a high IIoT usage performance is beneficial for a firm, significantly enhancing divisional success.