Developing the digital transformation skills framework: A systematic literature review approach

Area of Science:

• Business Management
• Information Systems
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Digital transformation (DT) integrates technology to enhance organizational productivity and efficiency.
• Successful DT hinges on workforce skill development, yet essential skills remain undefined.
• A clear understanding of required digital transformation skills is crucial for modern businesses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and define essential skillsets for leveraging digital transformation.
• To develop a comprehensive framework consolidating these critical DT skills.
• To address the gap in literature regarding specific digital transformation competencies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review adhering to the PRISMA methodology.
• Analysis of 36 selected articles using thematic analysis.
• Development of the Digital Transformation Skills Framework (DTSF).

Main Results:

• The Digital Transformation Skills Framework (DTSF) comprises six key skillsets and 44 underlying skills.
• Essential skill areas include digital work, entrepreneurship, evidence-based practices, collaboration, communication, and adaptation.
• The DTSF provides a structured overview of competencies vital for organizational evolution.

Conclusions:

• The DTSF offers a comprehensive understanding of essential skills for evolving organizations.
• This framework is valuable for HR professionals and organizations for re- and upskilling strategies.
• Future research should incorporate domain-specific DT skills and emerging digital technologies into the framework.