DARQ Technology as a Digital Transformation Strategy in Terms of Global Crises (Technologia DARQ jako strategia transformacji cyfrowej w warunkach globalnych kryzysow)

Purpose: The aim of the paper is (1) to analyze the DARQ (Distributed ledger, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, Quantum Computing) technology in terms of its implementations and (2) to compare these technologies with the SMAC technology (Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud). We present the thesis that DARQ technologies can help in building information systems aimed at both predicting and monitoring global crises. We argue that the DARQ technology will support the management of network organizations in the first period of development. Design/methodology/approach: The research procedure consists of the following steps: literature analysis, conducting qualitative research and its presentation, obtaining expert opinions and recommendations for further research. Findings: The results of work on the DARQ technology that supports management systems allowed for the evaluation of usability both in terms of the expected effects and the areas of risk of application. Research limitations/implications: Due to the lack of practical applications of all the elements that make up the DARQ technology, the analysis of such components as Extended Reality (Virtual Reality), Quantum Computing (Virtual Computing Technology) is not complete and requires complementary research and a more complete analysis of its applications. We consider the presented work as an introduction to broader research. Originality/value: The thesis has been substantiated that the transition from SMAC to DARQ technology can be done gradually. Both of these technologies are compatible. This may result in gradual and collision-free changes in the quality of the management system. Elements of the new DARQ technology, such as Distributed ledger, Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality and Quantum computing, allow for abrupt changes in both the management system and the functioning of the organization. Already today, each component of the DARQ technology has a significant impact on various sectors of the economy. However, it should be noted that apart from the positives, the DARQ technology also poses some threats. The article contains conclusions from the research and indicates a recommendation for further work, which concerns extending the application of DARQ technology to predict and monitor disasters and unpredictable events. To this end, we analyze the Black Swan theory (based on the COVID-19 pandemic case study) as the theoretical framework for the use of DARQ technology as a tool to reduce the occurrence of unpredictable events.