Introduction
We will begin by recalling the definition of Digital Transformation from Wikipedia:
“Digital transformation is the change associated with the application of digital technologies in all aspects of human society. The digital future represents a profound transformation in the way we live, work and learn. Driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and quantum computing, this new way of living promises greater efficiency, inclusion and creativity, but also poses social challenges that we must face responsibly.”
At the heart of Digital Transformation: people
Over the last 25 years, we have experienced an unprecedented digital revolution that has radically transformed people’s lives.
In 1998, the world was just beginning to glimpse the potential of the Internet, mobile phones were very basic in their functionality, and artificial intelligence was more theoretical than practical.
The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs on 9 January 2007 and went on sale a few months later, on 29 June 2007.
Today, digitalisation has changed the way we communicate, inform ourselves, work and enjoy our leisure time, redefining all areas of our personal and professional lives.
The world is undergoing a profound digital revolution; digitalisation is changing everything
Despite the undoubted advances that digitalisation represents, we often forget the most important thing: people.
Digital transformation is not just about technology, it is above all about people.
Digital transformation does not depend on technology, it depends fundamentally on people
People are the ones who really transform society, technology is only a means to achieve this.
The real impact does not come about simply by introducing a new platform or automation; it happens when a person changes the way they see, think and act; that is where true transformation takes place.
Benefits of digital transformation for people
Digital transformation has numerous benefits for citizens, some of which are:
- Enabling greater social connection through the Internet, by shortening distances, facilitating instant communication, creating virtual communities, etc.
- Improving access to public and private services, from anywhere and at any time.
- Facilitating access to learning opportunities and professional development.
- Redefining all types of services (mobility, tourism, etc.), creating better user experiences.
Challenges of digital transformation for individuals
Digitalisation is an unstoppable process that affects us all, both personally and professionally.
The relentless pursuit of progress through technology has created complexity, which disconnects us from what is fundamental: people.
‘What we have to learn to do, we learn by doing.’ Quote attributed to Aristotle, Greek philosopher, polymath and scientist, 384 BC – 322 BC.
For all these reasons, it is essential to address the following challenges:
- Digital divide. Inequality in access to ICT (lack of computers or smartphones or high-quality Internet access) is a fundamental obstacle to advancing inclusive digitalisation that leaves no one behind.
- Lack of digital skills. We need to train people, which is often not the same as educating them. Training teaches you what to do, while education teaches you how to think.
- Resistance to change. A cultural change must be brought about to motivate people to use any digital service (education, health, tax, etc.) on a regular basis. In short, we need to recapture the enthusiasm for learning that we had on our first day of primary school.
- Technological infrastructure. Without sufficient technological infrastructure, it is impossible for citizens to access any digital service on a regular basis.
In relation to the above, it is very appropriate to recall a reflection taken from the book Small is Beautiful by economist E. F. Schumacher:
All this confirms our suspicion that modern technology, in the way it has developed, is developing and promises to develop in the future, is showing an increasingly inhuman face, and we would do well to analyse our situation and reconsider our goals.
For several decades now, the modern world has been shaped by technology. Embarking on a headlong rush forward, in which technology stands as the key to the progress we long for, we have reached a level of technological complexity and sophistication that has distanced us from the essentials.
Main changes in the social sphere
We are living in times of great uncertainty, with change being a constant in all areas.
Digitalisation has revolutionised society, democratising information and knowledge, making things a reality that we could not have imagined just a few years ago:
- Promoting social connection. Communicating easily with anyone anywhere in the world (WhatsApp, etc.), creating virtual communities (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
- Facilitating the exchange of large amounts of all kinds of information (text, images, videos, etc.) in seconds.
- Streamlining and ‘efficientising’ the provision of any public or private service by making physical presence unnecessary (electronic banking, e-commerce, digital healthcare, distance learning, etc.).
- Changing culture, media and leisure. From cinema to music to the media, all have undergone a profound transformation, opening up new possibilities (digital newspapers, digital radio, TV on demand, etc.) and changing the way we consume cultural and information services.
Above all, digital transformation must be a useful tool for improving, simplifying and making human activities more efficient.
The incorporation of digital technologies into daily tasks has a significant impact on people’s lives and should improve their quality of life, not complicate it, as is often the case.
If we think of a country as a train, we should think that society must move forward without leaving anyone behind on the platform.
The digital transformation of work
The widespread use of the Internet and ICTs is changing the work that people do, where they do it and how they do it.
Digital transformation is profoundly changing the labour market, as it modifies the way work is done, giving rise to new professions and new challenges in attracting and retaining talent.
Digitisation has enabled changes such as the following:
- Delocalisation of the workplace. Teleworking breaks with the traditional idea of a fixed physical workplace, promoting flexible working and generating new challenges (social isolation, digital disconnection, etc.).
- The emergence of new forms of work. In recent years, work for digital platforms has grown exponentially worldwide. From e-commerce (Amazon is one example) to home deliveries (Glovo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, etc.), these represent opportunities and challenges, requiring regulation to prevent inequality and job insecurity.
In addition to the above, new challenges have emerged in terms of the skills and abilities required in this new world of work.
The World Economic Forum’s ‘Future of Jobs Report’ indicates that more than half of workers’ skills will change within the next five years.
The rapid evolution of technology has an impact on job requirements, so constant development of knowledge and skills is necessary in order to stay up to date in a constantly changing environment.
This encourages a culture of learning and development within companies, which promotes increased competitiveness and productivity.
Continuous training increases employability and allows for progress in a labour market.
