Digital transformation: opportunities and challenges for the future!

Digital transformation: opportunities and challenges for the future!

Digital transformation is one of the dominant topics of our time, not only in business, but also in almost all areas of life. Digital transformation brings with it fundamental changes, ranging from the introduction of new business models to innovative technologies. The interaction between technology and people is particularly important. This has the BSP Business and Law School emphasized in their most recent publications, which have covered specialist topics relating to digital transformation since 2022.

A central aspect that the BSP emphasizes is the development of interdisciplinary research approaches at the Institute for Digital Transformation and Innovation (IDTI). The aim is to break down existing specialist silos and promote networked thinking. The upheavals that come with digital transformation are challenging, but also the opportunities it offers. Reference is also made to the current call for contributions for Volume 4 of the book series “Digital Transformation and Innovation”, which is dedicated to the topic of “Creativity and Artificial Intelligence”. The BSP is also planning a German-language project on the EU AI regulation in collaboration with the Schäffer-Poeschel publishing house.

The role of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in digital transformation. The Kiel University of Applied Sciences describes digital change as a motor for the emergence of new or changed business models. These include concepts such as platforms, the sharing economy and models such as “pay per use”, “freemium” and “subscription”. These changes affect almost all economic sectors and lead to fundamental changes in industrial manufacturing processes through additive manufacturing, automation and intelligent networking.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and practice-oriented research are necessary to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of digital change. AI is viewed as an essential cross-sectional competence in all specialist areas. The need for such an interdisciplinary orientation is also reflected in the Kiel University of Applied Sciences' strategy for helping to shape the digital transformation.

Opportunities and challenges of digital change

The opportunities that arise from digital transformation are diverse. Digital technologies can not only stimulate growth, but also improve quality of life and create wealth. The possibilities for reforming the public sector are also diverse. According to that Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Digital services enable a better relationship between citizens and the state and promote inclusive participation in democratic processes.

Digital technologies are also crucial in the fight against climate change. Artificial intelligence can help detect droughts and extreme weather events early, enable efficient irrigation and support climate-friendly transport planning. The potential of digital technologies to improve development cooperation should not be underestimated. They facilitate communication with partner organizations and the population and create new tools for planning, impact measurement and accountability.

Overall, it is clear that digital transformation not only represents a challenge, but also brings with it enormous opportunities. A focused, interdisciplinary approach is crucial in order to make meaningful use of the diverse possibilities of digitalization.