COPETRI Convention Panel Discussion: The Power of Digital Transformation in Business Ecosystems
The digital transformation wave is sweeping across industries, reshaping traditional business models, and creating new opportunities. A recent panel discussion titled „The Power of Many” moderated by Julian at the Copetri convention, featuring experts from various industries, shed light on the role of digital transformation in business ecosystems. The panelists included Timm Jäger (CEO of EintrachtTech), Matthias Walter (CEO of fastbreak.one), Dr. Christoph Selig (CCO and Co-founder of Unisphere) and Ronja Stoffregen (head of global startup management at DB Schenker).
Understanding the Role of Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies, it's about changing the way businesses operate and deliver value to customers. It's about being more agile, data-driven, customer-centric, and innovative. It's about leveraging technology to create new or modify existing business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements.
The Importance of Top-Down Approach
The panelists agreed that digital transformation is a top-down process. It requires the commitment and vision of the top management to drive change. Timm Jäger emphasized that digital transformation is a management task that should involve the entire organization, not just a single department.
The Role of HR in Digital Transformation
The panelists also discussed the role of HR in digital transformation. They agreed that while HR plays a crucial role in change management and fostering a culture of innovation, it should not be solely responsible for driving digital transformation. Instead, it should support the departments in their digital transformation efforts.
The Emergence of Business Ecosystems
One of the key themes of the discussion was the emergence of business ecosystems. The panelists agreed that traditional industry boundaries are blurring, giving rise to business ecosystems where different industries and entities play various roles. They emphasized the need for businesses to adopt an ecosystem perspective and identify opportunities for new business models within these ecosystems.
The Role of External Support and Investors
The panelists also touched upon the role of external support and investors in digital transformation. While some panelists believed that external support, such as consultants, could provide valuable insights and kickstart the transformation process, others argued that businesses should not become dependent on external consultants.
As for the role of investors, the panelists had differing views. Some believed that bringing in external investors could be beneficial, especially for business models that require significant capital. Others, however, argued that businesses should be cautious about giving away equity and should instead focus on managing their resources responsibly.
The panel discussion provided valuable insights into the role of digital transformation in business ecosystems. It highlighted the importance of a top-down approach, the role of HR, the emergence of business ecosystems, and the role of external support and investors in digital transformation. As businesses navigate the digital transformation journey, these insights could serve as valuable guideposts.
Here are the key learnings from the discussion:
- Top-Down Approach: Digital transformation requires the commitment and vision of the top management. It's a top-down process that involves the entire organization.
- Role of HR: Human Resources plays a crucial role in change management and fostering a culture of innovation.
- Emergence of Business Ecosystems: Traditional industry boundaries are blurring, leading to the emergence of business ecosystems. Businesses need to adopt an ecosystem perspective and identify opportunities for new business models within these ecosystems.
- Digital Transformation is More Than Technology: Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it's about changing the way businesses operate and deliver value. It requires a new mindset and openness to new ways of doing things.
- Agility and Adaptability: In the face of change, businesses need to be agile and adaptable. This is crucial for navigating the digital transformation journey successfully.
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