Digital transformation can be defined as change / renewal for businesses in the following ways
Initially, to implement and use digital technologies, develop digital business models, change their structures and strategies, create new, added value for online customers and compete for a sustainable competitive advantage in the digital environment.
At the core of the digital transformation process lies innovation that supports ICT, since the entire transformation from a technological point of view is based on the interaction between people, machines and resources through digital means. In relation to the characteristics of each sector, various technologies may have a more or less important role, such as (indicatively) Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud computing, Big Data Management, Blockchain, Robotics and Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), while from the consumer side the relevant technologies may include Smartphones and other mobile technologies, Virtual Reality Headsets, Augmented Reality Glasses, Micro – Sensors, etc. Digital transformation is directly related to ICT-enabled innovation, as the integration between physical, machines and devices aims to develop complex but accurate systems capable of predicting, planning and controlling consumer behavior and business outcomes.
The aim of the proposed phase is to use Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to draw conclusions on the key drivers of digital transformation that are relevant to the needs of SMEs. Two separate SLRs will be carried out. The first SLR will be conducted to create the background of the idea, revealing all the external drivers of digital transformation. As part of the current proposal there has been an indicative analysis of the external factors resulting in the increased need for digital transformation, focusing mainly on digital competition, the competitive advantages that can be derived from digital technologies and changes in customer behavior. An SLR could provide increased rationale, but in addition it will deepen our understanding of the opportunities and risks that arise for SMEs from digital transformation in the global economic system.
The proposed SLR aims to identify in the existing literature digital aspects originating from various business disciplines, creating a multidisciplinary framework of analysis, including (indicatively): (a) forms of digital resources (ranging from digital assets and digital networking to big data analytics), (b) variants of organizational structures capable of supporting digital transformation, (c) digital development strategies, (d) traditional and digital KPIs capable of capturing valuable information, and (e) business models related to cost-saving or revenue models in the digital world.
