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Developing a unified definition of digital transformation

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  • Gong, Cheng
  • Ribiere, Vincent

Abstract

Digital Transformation (DT) has become an imperative for most organizations in our world of emergent and continuous changes. The term DT has been so broadly used (and misused) that it becomes very confusing. Consequently, the need to provide some conceptual rigor to DT is urgently needed. The purpose of this article is to develop a unified definition of “digital transformation” based on a vastly rigorous/scientific review and analysis of 134 well-received, published definitions of DT that significantly differentiates from other related terms in the literature. The proposed unified definition will help researchers and practitioners to “advance the theory and practice” of the discipline.

Suggested Citation

  • Gong, Cheng & Ribiere, Vincent, 2021. "Developing a unified definition of digital transformation," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:techno:v:102:y:2021:i:c:s0166497220300894
    DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2020.102217
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