Successful Transformation Research Articles

When terrorists attempt politics: an evaluation of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s pursuit of political transformation

ABSTRACT In recent years, the United Nations (UN) designated terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a group with links to the Pakistani security establishment, has been pursuing a strategy of political transition. This paper explores whether existing counter-terrorism frameworks such as the UN-led disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) and state-led de-radicalization and disengagement programs adequately explain the transition of terrorist organizations into the political arena. It is argued that a lack of organizational consensus, the failure to evolve an ideological consensus for renouncing violence and endorsing democracy, and unpromising domestic and international political environments are the strongest predictors of difficulties in achieving successful transformation.

Developing dynamic capabilities for successful digital transformation projects: the mediating role of change management

Developing dynamic capabilities for successful digital transformation projects: the mediating role of change management

Opinion Leaders in Organizational Change Processes: Insights from a Large-Scale Quantitative Survey to Identify, Characterize, and Classify Influential Employees within a Multinational Corporation

ABSTRACT The successful implementation of change processes requires efficient and effective communication. While previous research has explored various aspects of change communication, the role of opinion leaders – individuals who are more influential than others within their networks – has been largely overlooked. These opinion leaders could play a key role in driving the successful implementation of organizational change. This study aims to investigate the characteristics and potential existence of distinct types of opinion leaders within the context of an organizational change process. We conducted a quantitative online survey (n = 4,114) in a multinational corporation undergoing a significant change initiative. The findings reveal that opinion leadership is influenced by several factors: opinion leaders often hold leadership positions, possess strong personality traits, and maintain cross-hierarchical and cross-functional networks characterized by intense relationships. They also demonstrate high expertise related to the change process and exhibit strong commitment and positive attitudes towards it. Additionally, the study identified 300 opinion leaders and, through cluster analysis, categorized them into four types: ‘The Expert Leader,’ ‘The Emerging Opinion Leader,’ ‘The Cross-Functional Connector,’ and ‘The Department Influencer.’ These types vary in their network sizes, structures, and experiences. MAD statement In a rapidly evolving world, effective change communication is essential for building resilient and forward-thinking organizations. While research has acknowledged the pivotal role of communication in driving change, the significant influence of opinion leaders in this process has received limited attention. These individuals can be key to ensuring that organizational transformations are not only successful but also inclusive and sustainable in their impact. By understanding how to identify and engage opinion leaders in substantial change initiatives, organizations can develop more effective communication strategies that foster innovation, adaptability, and long-term success, ultimately contributing to more equitable, responsible, and successful organizational transformations.

Navigating Resistance to Technological Change in Organizations: A Holistic Approach

Organizational change driven by technological advancements presents both opportunities and challenges for modern enterprises. A key obstacle is a resistance to adopting new technologies, which can manifest through scepticism, fear of job displacement, perceived loss of control, and concerns about competence. This resistance poses significant barriers to the successful implementation and integration of technological innovations, leading to delays, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities for organisational growth and competitiveness. This research proposes a holistic approach to address the complex challenge of resistance to technological change. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as the Adaptive Cycle of Resilience (ACoR) model, Maslow's Motivation Theory, and Keidel's organisational model, as well as practical strategies, the study examines the interplay between individuals, different management, organisational and societal needs in the context of technological transformation. The research explores the dynamic and uncertain nature of technological change, identifying the specific stages within the ACoR model where resistance is most likely to occur and the implications for effective management. It also investigates the role of various management styles in addressing resistance and uncovering the skills and knowledge individuals and teams require to navigate this challenge successfully. Furthermore, the paper delves into the diverse stakeholders involved in the technological change process, analysing their needs and concerns and offering strategies to balance these competing interests. The importance of information systems in facilitating organizational change and their influence on the change process and outcomes is also examined. By synthesising these insights, the study presents a comprehensive framework for organisations to foster innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility in the face of resistance to technological change. The findings offer valuable guidance for practitioners and scholars seeking to enable successful technological transformations and promote positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Business Transformation in a Distinctive Institutional Setting: A Study of Regional Development Banks in Indonesia

Limited research exists on business transformation strategy within the Indonesian banking sector, particularly regarding regional development banks, which play a crucial role in regional economic advancement. This study investigates the drivers of successful business transformation in Indonesian RDBs and their impact on organizational performance, examining the moderating role of regional government intervention. Employing structural equation modeling, the study analyzed data from 255 branch managers across 27 RDBs. Results reveal that talent development, transformational leadership, and digital adoption significantly drive successful business transformation, which in turn enhances organizational performance. Contrary to expectations, regional government intervention did not demonstrate a moderating effect. This study provides valuable insights for RDB managers and policymakers, emphasizing the imporace of talent development, leadership, and digital adoption as key pillars of successful transformation and highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of institutional influences within this sector.

Driving corporate digitization with reliable data through the A3 approach: an Italian case study

PurposePursuing digital transformation is a valuable strategy to attain companies’ operational excellence and sustainable development. However, installing digital technologies and software is insufficient for achieving a successful digital transformation. Equally vital is providing digital solutions with reliable input data, which is a hard task in companies where information is gathered through manual or non-standardized processes. The lack of reliable data prevents technologies and software from operating at their best, hindering their ability to process information and derive correct insights for improvement. To avoid this, companies should embrace structured problem-solving approaches to evaluate current data retrieval processes, identify error sources and formulate countermeasures. This paper aims to provide an empirical study to substantiate A3 as a winning approach for advancing input data acquisition in companies.Design/methodology/approachA case study research is proposed, investigating the application of A3 in an ink manufacturing company, and checking how A3 improves data collection and company performance.FindingsThe case study corroborates A3 as an effective approach, allowing the removal of inefficiencies that previously went unnoticed and reaching a 10% productivity improvement.Practical implicationsPursuing digital transformation is a valuable strategy to attain companies’ operational excellence and sustainable development. However, installing digital technologies and software is insufficient for achieving a successful digital transformation. Equally vital is providing digital solutions with reliable input data, which is a hard task in companies where information is gathered through manual or non-standardized processes.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the application scope and aim of the A3 approach. A3 is a mature paradigm but often coined for production and still endowed with unexplored potential. This paper proposes the application of A3 for improving companies’ data retrieval processes, focusing for the first time on information reliability and its importance in ensuring the functioning of digital technologies and software.

Conceptualizing Agrifood Systems for a Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Transformation: A Systematic Scoping Review

Human and planetary health are interconnected through food and agriculture. Food production and consumption patterns continue to drive the global burden of malnutrition, diet-related disease, climate change, and environmental degradation. There is an urgent need to identify pathways for transforming agrifood systems to be increasingly healthy, sustainable, and just, but conceptual frameworks necessary for visualizing these complex relationships are limited. This systematic scoping review identified existing frameworks for analyzing human and environmental outcomes of agrifood systems and evaluated their inclusion of policy and governance. Frameworks have evolved to increasingly consider the food supply chain activities and actors, the drivers that shape them, and the outcomes of these interactions. The findings of the review were used to develop a conceptual framework specific to modern industrialized agrifood systems where policy landscape is an explicit component. The framework is tailored to researchers and policymakers with the intention of providing a foundation for analyzing and communicating agrifood system issues, including identifying facilitators and barriers to effective policy, places to intervene in the system, and windows of opportunity for successful transformation.

The Development and Value of Sanbao Art Village in Jingdezhen China

Background and Aim: This study explores the construction and study value of Sanbao Art Village in Jingdezhen, China, to investigate how this art village promotes regional economic and social development through the power of art and culture. As one of the more mature art villages in China, the development history of Sanbao Art Village and its impact on culture inheritance and innovation play an important role in understanding the rural revitalization and development of cultural industries. This study aims to analyze the development process of Sanbao Art Village and inquire about its cultural, economic, and social value, as well as its significance and effect under the contemporary background. Materials and Methods: This study puts to use the methods of literature review and field survey, collects all the relevant information about Sanbao Art Village, and reorganizes the development history of Sanbao Art Village. Through an on-site investigation of Sanbao Art Village, the readers can intuitively understand the art village’s operation model, cultural value, social and economic impacts, and so on. Results: This study found that since its establishment in 1995, Sanbao Art Village has developed from an unknown small village into a well-known art creation and cultural exchange center at home and abroad. Its successful transformation is attributed to Li Jianshen’s founding philosophy and the joint efforts of the artists and the community. It combines effectively traditional ceramic techniques with modern art innovation, thus establishing a platform for international exchanges of ceramic art in Jingdezhen and even China. Sanbao Art Village has great important value in culture, economy, society, and other aspects. Conclusion: Two main conclusions are drawn through the research: (1) Sanbao Art Village has a positive impact on promoting cultural inheritance and innovation, stimulating economic vitality, and improving the quality of life of the community. The development practice of the art village provides a valuable reference for other regions to promote sustainable development by using art and cultural resources. (2) Sanbao Art Village not only combines the traditional ceramic culture and modern art innovation, creating a unique cultural and artistic ecosystem, but also attracts tourists from all overall the world and enhances the international reputation of Jingdezhen and even China’s ceramic art. It is an important place for cultural inheritance and artistic innovation and has made also significant contributions to the local economic development and social well-being.

Economic perspectives on redefining public service media in the digital era: broadcasting to media platform

AbstractThis paper examines the currently debated platform models of public service media (PSM) in Germany. As global platforms such as Meta, Netflix, and YouTube dominate the media landscape, PSM is shifting from linear broadcasting to digital platform strategies. This study analyzes 21 platform proposals and categorizes them into five archetypes using a taxonomy-based method and hierarchical clustering. The findings reveal a range of approaches, from pure public media platforms to hybrid models that include both public and private media organizations. However, despite the innovative character of these proposals, significant challenges remain, particularly in funding, governance, and aligning platform economics with public service media objectives. This research highlights the need to integrate a platform perspective further into the development of PSM strategies and address operational policy and market issues to ensure the successful transformation of PSM in the digital era.

Deep eutectic solvent-mediated synthesis of CuCo2O4 @ Sargassum tenerrimum derived carbon heterostructure as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions

Developing bifunctional electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through simple, economical, and innovative methods is vital for sustainable energy conversion. Here, we showcase a green and sustainable approach for synthesizing CuCo₂O₄ - Sargassum Tenerrimum derived carbon composites (CCST) directly from fresh seaweed and a deep eutectic solvent (DES), marking its initial application in HER/OER. The successful transformation of seaweed and metal precursors into CCST was accomplished using a direct pyrolysis method at 900 °C in an inert atmosphere. Here, Seaweed granules acted as the carbon source, with DES employed for its multifunctional properties, including serving as a solvent, a structural template, and a catalyst for fostering material development. When these materials were assessed as electrocatalysts for OER in 1 M KOH media, the optimal catalyst (CCST-9 (1:2)) exhibited a low overpotential of 381 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 44 mV dec−1. In addition, the same material achieved low overpotential of 383 mV at 10 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 100 mV dec−1 when tested as an electrocatalyst for HER in 0.5 M H2SO4 media. Interestingly, CCST-9 (1:2) demonstrated excellent long-term stability in OER in 1 M KOH during a 24-h chronoamperometry test, with only a minor reduction in current density. The present study contributes new perspectives to the development of scalable and high-performance bifunctional catalysts, achieved through an environmentally friendly and cost-effective synthetic strategy.

Strategy for Improving Business Performance in Micro and Small Enterprises through Innovation and Digitalization

This study aims to examine strategies for enhancing business performance in micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through the integration of innovation and digitalization. In an era where digital transformation has become critical for competitiveness, MSEs face unique challenges due to limited resources, constrained access to technology, and often limited technical expertise. Using a qualitative approach through library research and literature review, this study synthesizes current research on the role of innovation and digital adoption in boosting productivity, expanding market reach, and improving operational efficiencies in MSEs. Findings reveal that innovation and digitalization not only facilitate access to broader customer bases but also enable cost-effective marketing and streamlined operations. Additionally, the analysis indicates that overcoming barriers such as technology adoption costs and skill gaps is essential for successful digital transformation in MSEs. Supportive policies, digital literacy training, and partnerships with technology providers emerge as critical components to foster a conducive environment for these enterprises. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse by identifying key success factors for MSEs embarking on digital and innovative transformations. Furthermore, it provides recommendations for policy makers, business owners, and stakeholders to enhance MSE resilience and competitiveness in a digitalized economy. This research underscores the importance of aligning digital strategies with business goals to ensure sustainable growth and adaptation in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

Organizational Factors Driving the Realization of Digital Health Transformation Benefits from Health Service Managers: A Qualitative Study.

Healthcare is experiencing a global period of profound transformation, and digital health shows the promise of dispensing innovative and contemporary service models. However, changes are required to improve the capabilities of health managers in driving successful digital transformation. This paper aims to explore the organizational barriers that health service managers have encountered when realizing the benefits of a digitally transforming environment. This is part of a larger research study exploring digital competencies for health service managers, with the findings from focus group discussions providing a baseline from which to address the organizational improvements and changes in system capabilities required to assist in realizing the benefits of digital health transformation. The study is qualitative in nature. It employs focus group discussions to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and views of health service managers and identify the benefits and barriers that managers have experienced in introducing digital health in their workplace. Barriers encountered in realizing digital health benefits in the workplace were evidenced across five major themes: (1) change resistance and usage, (2) trust and uniformity, (3) resourcing and procurement, (4) digital literacy, and (5) siloed systems. Findings from this study demonstrate that in driving the realization of digital health transformation benefits, health service managers need organizational and system-wide efforts to support managing in the digital health context. The key identified barriers experienced by health service managers include facing human and technical challenges with system adoption and the governance of data-driven decision-making in the digital context. The importance of digital transformation in healthcare is evident and will increasingly become a necessity for organizational survival and success. This study adds important insights into the organizational barriers that health service managers have encountered when realizing the benefits resulting from digital transformation. Addressing these barriers requires macro-, meso- and micro-level system investments. These benefits are enhanced by enabling factors critical for digital health adoption that have been described in key categories involving health system related: (1) policy and system, (2) organizational structure and processes, and human resource management, and (3) people factors. The importance of ensuring the organizational factors driving the realization of benefits in a digitally transforming environment is also addressed and capitalized upon for health service managers.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE DIGITAL ENTERPRISES IN THE ERA OF TRANSFORMATIONAL ECONOMIC CHANGES

The objective of this article is to examine the role of digital transformation processes in enhancing competitive advantages and accelerating economic growth. The objective is to demonstrate how the utilisation of digital technologies and the fulfilment of external environment requirements facilitate the innovation of products and services. The methodology entails an examination of the concept of digital transformation within the context of Ukraine's economy. This encompasses an investigation of the integration of production and distribution factors, an evaluation of the potential of digital enterprises, and the formulation of a model for the transformation of enterprises into innovative business entities. The findings indicate that digital transformation is a crucial factor in attaining competitive advantages and stimulating economic growth. The study identifies digital enterprises, equipped with end-to-end digital technologies and services, as a crucial factor in the implementation of effective digital changes. Furthermore, it offers a model for the transformation of traditional businesses into digital enterprises. The practical implications of this study are that businesses must address the barriers to digital change in order to achieve qualitative transformations. The findings indicate that the systematic overcoming of these barriers can facilitate successful digital transformations, which can enhance business performance and innovation. The article's value lies in its contribution to the understanding of how digital transformation can be integrated into business operations in a systematic manner, with a view to fostering innovation and growth. The study's originality lies in its proposal of a model for enterprise transformation and its identification of key barriers and strategies for effective digital change, tailored specifically to the Ukrainian economic context.

Remixing our cities – current research on circularity in the construction sector

The European Green Deal is aiming for a transition from the current linear economic model to a much more sustainable and resource-efficient circular model. Since the construction industry is responsible for 37% of Europe-wide waste, it will be a key sector for the successful implementation of this goal. However, we can currently find many sector-specific challenges slowing the pace. On the one hand, the complexity of the sector and the multiplicity of actors involved. On the other hand, the dichotomy between the immanent uncertainty that lies within all reuse strategies and an ever-rising pressure for an increased technical performance respectively liability exclusion of building components. A successful transformation of the construction industry towards a circular economy would hence require changes throughout the whole life cycle of the building stock, an extensive and comprehensive exchange of information and the implementation of strategies for dealing with uncertainties. This includes also the development of new construction standards, which in turn can be expected to have an influence on the resulting architectural design. The focus of this paper is to present two current research projects on these topics, with a focus on the potential implications and future fields of action for designing architects.

Digital Leadership: Its Influence on Driving Digital Policy Adoption in the Public Sector

This study examines the pivotal role of digital leadership in driving government transformation. By leveraging advanced data analytics, governments can formulate more predictive policies and anticipate future challenges. Digital services enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency, fostering trust in government institutions. However, successful digital transformation hinges on effective leadership. Digital leaders possess the skills to navigate complex digital environments, cultivate digital mindsets, and identify opportunities. This research explores the competencies required for digital leadership, including data analytics, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Furthermore, it investigates the impact of digital leadership on policy adoption, service delivery, and organizational culture. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study contributes to the understanding of how digital leadership can accelerate government modernization and improve public service delivery.

Digital Transformation and Innovation : Driving Business Growth

This comprehensive article explores the symbiotic relationship between digital transformation and innovation in driving business growth. It examines the key components of digital transformation, including cloud computing, big data analytics, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and digital platforms. The article discusses how digital transformation catalyzes innovation through data-driven decision-making, fostering experimentation, enhancing collaboration, and accelerating time-to-market. It outlines the competitive advantages of digital transformation, such as improved customer experience, operational efficiency, new revenue streams, agility, and talent attraction. Case studies of successful digital transformations are presented, along with an analysis of organizations' challenges and considerations in their digital transformation journeys.

Functional Diversification Strategy: A Key Factor in the development of start-up Art Districts brand building

Our research focuses on the difference between functional diversification strategy and product functional diversification strategy, and give a detailed definition and introduction. As well as focused on exploring how a functional diversification strategy contributes to art district branding in the early stages. We employed the case study approach, examining the SteelStacks Cultural Arts Park in Bethlehem, USA. Our findings highlight the benefits of a diverse, integrated arts district as exemplified by SteelStacks, which underwent a successful transformation. The case underscores the importance of economic revitalization, cultural renaissance, community engagement, sustainable development, and collaboration in fostering vibrant and resilient arts districts that serve both the local community and society at large.

Experiences from the European Region: case studies and scenarios to inform ways forward in digital health

Abstract Member States in the WHO European Region face similar challenges when it comes to strengthening their HIS and implementing digital health solutions. From WHO/Europe’s work with its Member States, several important preconditions have become apparent for successful and sustainable digital transformation. Firstly, the importance of recognising that implementing digital tools is not a one-off investment, but that this takes a long-term vision including long-term budgeting. Having business continuity plans also is a key element of sustainable implementation of digital tools, that is often not adequately addressed in practice. Secondly, the importance of comprehensive strategic planning. Implementing digital tools is not only about software and hardware, but also about people and processes. Here it is also crucial for policymakers to understand that, to be able to harvest the benefits of data that are gathered by means of digital tools, resources for data processing and analysis also need to be made available. Last but not least, an important precondition for successful digital transformation is stakeholder involvement. Often, new software is developed without adequately involving the end-user, resulting in for example apps that do not meet patients’ needs. Or in electronic health record systems that are not user-friendly for the healthcare staff that need to enter the data, with incomplete and low quality information as a consequence. Stakeholder involvement is essential in strategic planning for digital health as well. Think for example about standardization and accreditation agencies, and institutes that will be secondary users of data for statistics and research. In this presentation, several case studies from across the European Region will be presented, illustrating how digital transformation in health can be successfully and sustainably implemented.

International case studies: success and failure factors for digital transformation in healthcare

Abstract Background The digitalization of healthcare systems is expected to lead to improvements in the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. Despite Germany’s leading economic and technological position, the implementation and utilization of digital health solutions is lagging far behind internationally. A look at other countries shows that the digital transformation in healthcare can be successful, and that financial resources and available technologies are not the only determining factors. Rather, it is a matter of political processes, the interests of different stakeholders and the acceptance of patients and HCPs. Methods While the impression often arises that the selection of countries in case studies is random, eight international case studies were identified using a scientific method. A systematic and multi-stage process was developed to select the case studies, taking into account various relevant criteria (e.g. degree of digitalization, geography, economy). The implementation and use of various digital health tools will be examined in selected countries and healthcare systems, in which the digitalization of the healthcare system is particularly advanced. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with experts from the international healthcare systems between fall 2024 and summer 2025. The findings will inform the development of recommendations for actions for policymakers in Germany. Conclusions This study aims to provide new insights into the key success and failure factors for the digital transformation of healthcare systems. Recommendations for action, tailored specifically to the German healthcare system and aimed at policymakers, are intended to support decision-makers in setting the course for a successful further transformation towards digital health. Key messages • International case studies will be used to identify factors that contribute to the success or failure of digital transformation in healthcare systems. • Based on the findings of this research, recommendations for action will be developed for policymakers in Germany to set the course for the successful further digitalization of healthcare.

How much digital public health is taught in German public health programs? A qualitative analysis

Abstract Background Digital public health (DiPH) professionals are crucial for a successful digital transformation in social and health care. However, the extent to which academic professionals are taught DiPH-related content in their public health studies in Germany remains unclear. Methods We used a systematic module handbook analysis to assess accredited full-time public health-oriented degree programs at German Universities for DiPH-related modules. Programs were identified through the Hochschulkompass platform and among the German Public Health Association member programs. We used MAXQDA for the content analysis of the included module handbooks. Results We identified 79 public health programs. Of these, 10 Bachelor’s and 6 Master’s offered at least one DiPH module, all being highly heterogeneous in their overall addressed public health subfields. Regarding DiPH, 6 programs lectured on the ethics of digitalizing health and data protection, 5 programs each offered modules on DiPH in health policy, on data science in healthcare and software used for eHealth, or on the digital determinants of health. 4 programs each included modules on digital health promotion and alternative evaluation methods. 3 programs each addressed digital science communication and health technology assessment. Finally, 2 programs had modules on digital epidemiology. We found differences between the common understanding of DiPH in academia and the content in the module handbooks. The content identified in the analysis focused mainly on technical areas. Social and health science content was only marginally present. Conclusions The diverse DiPH study programs allow academic public health specialists in Germany to develop specific profiles. There is a need for further development of modules with relevance to the respective degree program to achieve comprehensive competencies in DiPH. We encourage the uptake of our analysis to develop a core curriculum in DiPH among European public health programs. Key messages • Digitalization affects all areas of life, including healthcare systems and public health. Preparing the future workforce already during their training is crucial to enable them to lead the change. • German public health programs are not fit to prepare students for their professions. Developing DiPH curricula with pre-defined and updated competencies will strengthen programs in Germany and beyond.