Digital transformation framework: Creating sensing, smart, sustainable and social (S^4) organisations

Abstract

Organisations are engaged in digitalisation or contemplating their need to start this transformation. Yet, there is not a single framework unifying the different aspects of the digital transformation based on digital value creation. This study attempts to fill this gap by reviewing existing frameworks and theoretical models on digital transformation and related concepts, such as Industry 4.0. Then, an integrated framework of the digital transformation journey emerges guiding organisations to identify capabilities allowing digital value creation. This framework suggests that the digital transformation is triggered by emerging technologies that transform the notion of value, the creation and delivery of this value, based on building blocks that allow organisations to innovate at many levels. These innovations require transformations having the potential to create organisations of the next generation, which are becoming dynamically more sensing, smart, sustainable and social-oriented.