The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted working practices around the world, making it critical for businesses to adapt quickly or risk closure. Businesses have turned to digital transformation and technology, which was becoming an increasingly important part of the workforce even prior to the pandemic, as a helpful means to increase engagement, efficiency, and workplace flexibility.
In this episode of the Gensler Design Podcast, our Host David Calkins, Regional Managing Principal of Gensler APME sits with his guests, Dr. Adrian Kuah, a Research Leader at both The Cairns Institute in Australia and Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia at James Cook University, Singapore and Dr. Roberto Dillon, who is the Head of the School of Science and Technology at James Cook University, Singapore, as they explores the innovations, disruptions and changes that are required to adapt in a fast-evolving landscape due to the extraordinary circumstances triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are some of the Obstacles that Companies Face when Trying to Implement Digital Transformation in this Post-Covid Era?
With the evolution of new technologies, one major obstacle that businesses face is the rise of cyber crimes. With digital transformation being embraced by most organizations as they look to drive growth and efficacy, it also presents new ways for criminals to access important company information and data.
It is imperative that businesses acquire a good understanding of emerging technologies. Rather than relegating this task to the IT department, other employees should acknowledge the implications and risk of operating in a digital world. In order for this to be effective, it needs to be a shared responsibility.
What is the Role of Digital Transformation in a Future that Focuses Increasingly on Sustainability?
Sustainability research focuses on three pillars, namely the green economy, the social economy and the digital economy, which bring multidisciplinary expertise from around the world to collaborate on the framework of sustainable development.
The green economy pillar focuses on green products and industries using the concept of circular economy and consumer acceptance to further understand how green economic growth could be promoted, while the social economy pillar investigates into corporations and institutions that supports sustainable and inclusive growth. The digital economy pillar covers digital transformation using data science, technology, virtual reality and engineering to contribute to sustainable development.
What are some Factors to Consider when Designing a Digital Transformation Project?
When designing a digital transformation project, it is pertinent to consider the integration of societal, economic and sustainability aspects.
Is doing this project giving the company’s employees, the surrounding community, and the wider society a better-off situation? Which stakeholder would most likely benefit from this digital transformation, and would be better off in the process? What are the additional resources this project demanded and what sustainable resources could be reduced as a result of this project. Does the project result in a better-off situation?
Integrating the various aspect, including the cost of implementation, the project must be attractive to its customers and stakeholders.
Listen to the full conversation on the Gensler Design Podcast. Thanks for tuning in!