Abstract

Digital transformation is the subject of significant hype in the media, with many IT executives wondering how they can master it and what they can do to be prepared. The phenomenon recently also captured the interest of researchers, who try to understand how and if digital transformation is different from previous generations of IT/IS usage. In this talk, I will conceptualize digital transformation by describing it as the disruptive use of existing or new information technology that significantly changes how an organization generates value and differentiates itself from competitors. Based on this conceptualization, I will develop a scenario of what future IT organizations may look like. I will illustrate this by elaborating on their key capabilities, their organizational anchoring and in particular their interfaces with other organizations and units in the company. Using this projection as a foundation, I will identify needs for action and research.

[Joint research with Prof. Dr. Nils Urbach, University of Bayreuth, Germany]

Short Bio

Frederik Ahlemann holds the chair for Information Systems and Strategic IT Management at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. He obtained an Information Systems Diploma from the University of Münster, Germany and worked as a project management consultant for two years. Following this period, he joined the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Osnabrück where he obtained his doctorate in 2006. He subsequently joined the European Business School, Germany as an Assistant Professor where he headed a competence center for strategic IT/IS management. In 2012 he was appointed full professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Prof. Ahlemann's research interests are project portfolio management, enterprise architecture management, and IS strategy. His projects are funded by major German enterprises from the automotive, software, and professional services industries. Prof. Dr. Ahlemann has authored and co-authored more than 80 scientific and professional publications, has won several research and teaching awards, and is a renowned speaker and consultant.