Abstract
Digital transformation is happening at a considerable rate in the developing world; however, its adoption seems higher in the developed world. Therefore, this chapter aims to present the key drivers or pillars that make up digital transformation in developing countries. The chapter argued that strategy, technology, and innovation are the broad categories that influence digital transformation in any country, whether developing or developed. Also, the chapter articulates what has been happening in the developing world, focusing on Southern Africa to achieve digital transformation. A framework for digital transformation that consists of three broad pillars strategy, technology, and innovation was proposed. Lastly, the chapter proposed that future researchers on digital transformation can focus on the broad pillars of digital transformation.
TopThe digital transformation is affecting the way people are living nowadays. Digital transformation encompasses the adoption and integration of ICTs that will provide better services to society (Zhao, 2015; Kraus et al. 2021; Chen et al 2014). With digital transformation, society can enjoy efficient services that emanate from new business models due to embracing technology in people's way of life (Camarinha et al. 2019). The growth of the 4th industrial revolution is being pushed by digital transformation as many people are getting connected and interacting with others irrespective of geographical boundaries. Digital transformation can assist in modifying or creating new business services, and customer involvement can make it easy for the world to achieve accelerated digital transformation. Four significant domains that can accelerate digital transformation, vertical networking, horizontal networking, engineering, and acceleration manufacturing (Camarinha et al. 2019, Cha et al. 2015) have been identified as key drivers for improvement in business processes. Figure 1 shows the drivers for digital transformation in pushing the 4th industrial revolution. Improvements in technological possibilities and changes in mart demand are major factors that trigger digital transformation.
Figure 1. Drivers for digital transformation
Collaboration between various industry players in using technology to improve business processes has been suggested by Ko et al. (2019). Figure 2 shows the collaborative framework that has been adopted by Ko et al. 2019. The framework shows that collaboration network organization, that is, long-term strategic networks and being goal-oriented networks are key drivers for digital transformation.
Figure 2. Collaborative digital transformation network
Key Terms in this Chapter
Information and Communication Technologies: This chapter defines ICTs as the combination of networks, hardware, and software, as well as the means of communication that enables digital transformation.
Digital Innovation: Digital innovation refers to the application of digital technology to existing business problems to innovate new products or services.
prioritized way: with present and future shifts of mind”.
Digital Divide: The digital divide is a term that refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology (ICT), and those that don't or have restricted access. This technology can include the telephone, television, personal computers, and internet connectivity.
Digital Strategy: In this context, the term refers to a plan that employs digital initiatives to achieve digital transformation in developing countries.
Innovation: Innovation can be defined as the creation of something new (product or services) or an improvement on an existing idea.