Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
- Helen Keller
Is the digital transformation process a technology, business, customer engagement, digital service or cultural change issue? It is all of the above, and then some. Each function has its own level of importance and naturally, each will become the focus of their process owners. But the risk of this myopia is that process transformation efforts will become siloed, reducing their value for others and will limit the potential for a successful digital transformation, of the whole organization.
Like a digital map, the key functions of an organization are like feature overlays, which when looked at holistically, can provide insights into the aspects within the overall organizational structure, that complement and compete. Similarly, identifying interdependencies between the key processes is to recognize that many of them, will have to be transformed in parallel.
To meet such a collaborative challenge, be it by a business, an industry, a community - or the world, - requires an inclusive approach. Working inclusively requires that everyone has digital access and that the supporting technology platform can meet and grow with the changing needs of every stakeholder, while encouraging knowledge sharing and supporting the capture of community best practice.
In 2015 a great and noble challenge was issued by the United Nations General Assembly. These are the Sustainable Development Goals - a collection of 17 global goals - to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people, enjoy peace and prosperity.
The Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) System Transformation report released in 2016 found that digital technologies will be fundamental for the achievement of all 17 SDGs, and over 50% of the 169 related targets. The GeSI has also shown “there is a clear, positive link between digital access and 11 of the 17 SDGs”.
Sparx Systems has joined the UN-GGIM Private Sector Network, to work with other member organizations and provide access to collaborative technology, in support of meeting these goals.
