3 Steps to Market-Driven Digital Transformation

The authors interviewed C-suite executives from 22 companies to discover best practices, and missteps, on the path to getting a business ready for a digitally transformed world. Their model, called the Stairway to Digitalization, starts with the ability to interpret market forces. This demands a marketing-driven fixation on customers, but since customers' evolving needs do not happen in a vacuum, managers also need to analyze competitors, collaborators and context. The next step is for the executive committee and board to express a wholehearted digital commitment. Finally, the authors explain the chief levers of execution, so that the strategic goal of digital transformation might be achieved, resulting in a new business proposition for the firm. This article contains useful tips applicable to incumbent firms and digital pure players alike.