Fujitsu has released its Fujitsu Future Insights Global Digital Transformation Survey Report 2018, which outlines the results of its research conducted amongst 1,535 C-level executives and decision-makers at enterprises of various sizes across different industries in 16 countries(1). With this survey Fujitsu aims to gain a better understanding of the global state of digital transformation with regard to artificial intelligence, IoT and other advanced technologies. The results revealed the current state of initiatives and challenges related to global digital transformation in different industries, and the report highlights six factors that deliver business success through digital transformation. In addition the findings provide insights in which fields in particular AI offers benefits. Fujitsu will leverage these findings to further strengthen its co-creation capabilities to support customers' digital transformation.
Background
Digital transformation, through the deployment of new technologies such as AI and IoT, has progressed from the strategic planning stage to the delivery of concrete business successes. However, the results are far from uniform. The establishment of new digital transformation-based business models and roll out to new businesses, as well as the state of progress and success, vary across industries, so it is imperative to accurately understand the needs and state of digital transformation in each sector. To gain such an understanding, and to best support customers' digital transformation journeys, Fujitsu conducted the second iteration of its Global Digital Transformation Survey, first carried out in 2017, seeking to shed light on ever-more specific business results.
Summary of Survey Findings
Driving factors behind digital transformation initiatives The survey revealed that motivating factors for digital transformation initiatives differed across industry sectors. In finance, manufacturing, and healthcare, decision makers are primarily motivated by the need to increase operational efficiency, while transportation companies are driven to respond to competitive threats, and retail companies hunger for business growth.
Digital Transformation Progress The finance industry is the furthest advanced in digital transformation initiatives, with results showing that approximately 90% of respondent financial services companies are already engaged in digital transformation.
Digital Transformation Results Many companies from each industry are already achieving business results from their digital transformation initiatives. In finance and retail, about 30% of projects have already delivered successful outcomes.
Digital Transformation Success Factors Six factors were found to determine the success of outcomes from digital transformation projects: Leadership, People, Agility, Business Integration, Ecosystem and Value from Data. These could be seen as the organizational capabilities that need reinforcement in order to bring about successful digital transformation.
Impact of AI on Business Business leaders understand that AI is set to have a significant impact on their industries, organizations, and wider society. The bulk of respondents are positive about its future development, with 68% believing that the future will involve people and AI working collaboratively.
