The key steps of a strategic digital transformation roadmap: a bibliometric and content analysis

Abstract

Purpose Nowadays, strategic digital transformation (SDT) is not just an opportunity for businesses but an undeniable necessity. Also, the high growth of studies conducted in digital transformation and strategic management shows that this field is significant for various researchers, industries and businesses. Therefore, this research aims to provide a roadmap for SDT in firms and companies and to increase researchers’ understanding of this field. Design/methodology/approach The Scopus database was searched from 2011 to 2023, and bibliometric analysis of all published documents in the field of SDT was performed. VOSviewer software and content analysis were used to analyze the data. After searching the Scopus database, 2,636 papers were analyzed. Findings The findings show that understanding Industry 4.0 and 5.0, determining the SDT maturity hierarchy, determining SDT dimensions, developing digital culture and dynamic capabilities, implementing a digital transformation strategy (DTS), and transformation in enterprise architecture are important steps to providing an SDT roadmap. Research limitations/implications Regional and industry differences in SDT adoption are ignored, which could reveal specific challenges. Using the Scopus database has limitations, and future studies should collect data from multiple sources. This study emphasizes bibliometric analysis and neglects empirical data from organizations. In the future, researchers could use real-world experiences of firms and companies at different stages of SDT. Originality/value This paper highlights the critical link between technological advances and organizational change. Conducting a bibliometric analysis provides a clear roadmap that helps researchers deepen their understanding and guides managers in implementing SDT. This roadmap is designed to support organizations by aligning their strategies with new digital technologies, making it easier for them to move toward SDT.

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