In 2020, BCG studied digital transformations using a survey of 825 senior executives and data on 70 companies. Only 30% met their objectives. Companies strong in six factors raised their odds to 80%.
The six factors
An integrated strategy with clear transformation goals. Leadership commitment from the CEO through middle management. Deploying high-caliber talent. An agile governance mindset that drives broader adoption. Effective monitoring of progress toward defined outcomes. And a business-led, modular technology and data platform.
All six, not four
The study found that addressing only three or four of the factors wasn't enough. A strong technology platform doesn't rescue a programme without leadership commitment, and clear goals don't help if no one monitors progress against them.
Checking yours
Rate each factor as in place, partly in place or not yet. The weakest is usually where to start. Middle-management ownership and outcome measures are the two most often missing, and both are cheaper to fix early than late.