Keynote: Digital Intelligence and Transformations

Because of changes in competitive and regulatory environment and customer expectations, organizations have to continuously transform their products, services or business models to meet customer needs. Information technology (IT) increasingly plays an important role in many transformations because of significant digitization of business processes and massive investments in IT since 1960s [1, 2]. However, genuine transformations, even if necessary, often face difficulties because of an incomplete understanding of how to drive and manage transformations. In my talk I will describe some findings and lessons based on my research on transformations [3], and various facets of what I call digital intelligence [4]. I will argue that although information technology is often an important enabler of transformations, sustainable and desirable transformations need much more. They also require attention to leadership; strategic planning; customer, employee and process focus; governance and long-term orientation that balances interests of various stakeholders; and what I call disciplined autonomy. Achieving success often requires an understanding of how to configure these elements optimally in a particular context. I will discuss some of my research on IT human capital, digital skills and its impact at the individual and household levels to suggest implications for policy, managers and IT professionals.