The Prerequisites for Digitalization – A Summary
Johan Elsner
Strategist transforming chaos into order by aligning tech with core business goals
Digitalization is not just about new technology. It is about understanding and managing the fundamental conditions that enable a sustainable and innovative digital transformation. In the article series The Prerequisites for Digitalization, we have explored how leadership, technology, economics, law, and human factors must work together for organizations to successfully navigate an ever-changing, connected world.
Read the preamble here: Preamble - Prerequisites of Digitalization
Below is a brief summary of the ten parts of the series, along with links for further reading.
1. Leadership – Security and the Ability to Change
In a digitalization journey, people and culture are just as important as technological solutions. When employees feel safe to experiment and learn from mistakes, a dynamic and adaptable organization is created.
2. Technical Infrastructure – The Foundation of Your Digitalization Journey
A stable, secure, and flexible IT infrastructure is crucial for realizing the potential of digitalization. Cloud solutions, scalable architecture, and continuous security work lay the foundation for both innovation and sustainable growth.
3. The Economics of Digitalization – Dynamic Needs in a Structured Framework
Traditional budgeting models can be too rigid in a rapidly changing world. By adopting a more dynamic and value-driven economic model, organizations can respond more quickly to new opportunities and allocate resources where they generate the most value.
4. Data Quality and Integrity – A Prerequisite for Effective Digitalization
Reliable data is one of the most important prerequisites for successful digitalization. Implementing the right data standards, secure management, and smooth system integration is essential for generating real insights and valuable services.
5. The Legal Aspects of Digitalization – An Uneven Battle for Competitiveness
Regulations such as GDPR and the AI Act impact both how data can be handled and how innovation can be conducted. Understanding and integrating legal conditions early in the strategy is key to achieving sustainable competitiveness.
6. The Human Factor in Digitalization – A Change-Oriented Culture
No technology can replace engaged people. A culture that encourages learning, self-leadership, and collaboration is crucial for employees to grow in step with technological advancements.
7. Secure Digitalization – A Prerequisite for Future Competitiveness
Security is not a constraint, but an enabler. By working proactively on security issues, organizations can confidently pursue digital development and take bolder steps toward innovation.
8. The Digitalization Ecosystem – Start Where You Are
Digitalization rarely happens in isolation. By actively building partnerships, networks, and ecosystems, organizations can create synergies and achieve their digital goals faster.
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9. Digitalization and Competence Development – Focusing on Personal Branding
The competence requirements of a digitalized world are rapidly evolving. When employees are given the opportunity to continuously develop their skills and build their personal brands, the long-term competitiveness of the organization also increases.
10. Ethical and Responsible Digitalization
Technology can be used in ways that benefit or harm society. That is why having a clear strategy for ethical and responsible digitalization is crucial—to strengthen trust among customers, employees, and society as a whole.
Article 10 - Ethical and Responsible Digitalization: A Necessary Reflection in the Age of Technology
Summary: From Prerequisites to Real Value
In The Prerequisites for Digitalization, we have shown that a successful digital transformation requires more than just investments in new technology. It is about seeing the bigger picture—from leadership and culture to law and security—and consistently working with these foundations.
When all these elements work together, an organization is created that can face future challenges with innovation, sustainability, and ethics as guiding principles.
V?ster?s 2025-02-10
(Translated using ChatGPT 2025-02-16)
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