Emerging technologies are having a profound impact upon individuals and organisations. The “always on” attitude that digital technologies encourage brings an equal mix of benefits and challenges. The ready availability of digital technology has transformed the way we live, learn, play and interact – but how a business can turn the tools into an economic and organisational advantage is not always clear.

This new edition of Strategic Digital Transformation enables students and business leaders to take a strategic and sustainable approach to realising the value of digital technologies. It offers results-driven solutions that successfully transform organisations into data-driven, people-focused businesses capable of sustainably competing at a global level. These solutions are significantly shaped by the need for organisational digital maturity, high levels of digital and cultural interoperability and the purposeful application of AI. With four key areas of focus, the material moves through understanding digital business to planning, implementing and assessing digital transformation. The current challenges facing all small organisations, including limited resources, financial pressures and the lack of dedicated IT departments, are explored. The authors consider the ways in which innovation can increase competitive advantage, how innovative business models can create new opportunities and how a data-driven perspective can release embedded value within the organisation. Contemporary international case studies and examples throughout each chapter bridge theory with practical application and systematically document the patterns of activities that enable success. All chapters have been completely revised and updated to reflect advances in technology and to highlight the social and economic consequences of digital transformation.

This textbook is a vital resource for postgraduate and undergraduate students of digital business, innovation and transformation. By showing how to initiate digital transformation across an organisation, it will prepare business owners, directors and management of small- and medium-sized businesses to take strategic advantage of new and emerging technologies to stay ahead of their competition.