Key drivers of digital transformation based on the ‘system-of-systems’ approach
Abstract
Digital transformation (DT) is a key trend in modern development. It leads to significant changes in the functioning of society, including the economy and business. Understanding the nature of these processes and managing them properly is key to the success of digital transformation and achieving sustainable development goals. Despite numerous empirical studies of digital transformation in applied contexts, there remains a need to formalise its universal determinants and to develop an analytical framework to identify sustainable patterns. This study aims to identify the universal, fundamental factors of digital transformation and the tools for implementing them. It is based on understanding social life as a systemic category and the current trends in the development of various spheres. The research involves the exploration, critical analysis, and synthesis of analytical data and research on systems theory, digital transformation, and sustainable development concepts. Significant changes in material, informational and synergistic bases were found to drive the creation of a socio-technical system (STS) that, by integrating social and technical components, embodies the digital transformation. STS development's material and energy factors include expanding sensor capabilities, smart and biocompatible materials, additive technologies, robotics, and alternative energy sources. They ensure the heterogeneity, independence, autonomy, distribution, contextual awareness, structural balance, and sustainability of the STS and its elements. Information factors include virtualisation, cognitivisation, information transparency, and information sharing. They facilitate adaptability, evolution, contextual awareness and communication between STS elements. Synergistic factors include establishing connections, forming a digital collaborative space, ensuring interoperability, and formulating communication rules (policies). They provide the communication capabilities of the STS, its functioning, emergent properties, purposefulness, and sustainability. The research results in tools for leveraging these factors at the enterprise, regional, and national levels, ranging from installing sensor equipment to strategising and prioritising sustainable development goals, and improving information legislation. These tools will effectively support digital transformation, ensuring the sustainability and functionality of socio-technical systems in modern society.