Assessment of Organizational Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia

It is significant for an organization to prepare for transformation and change, as well as formulate strategies and plans to effect change. Organizational preparedness or readiness for transformation is a multi-dimensional, multi-level, and multifaceted activity. The Saudi Arabian government through its Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program 2020 (NTP) is trying to implement radical changes across all sectors to enhance decision making and operational processes. The objective of this study is to present a clear picture of the status of digitization in Saudi Arabia and identify areas where the government and organizations should concentrate on to achieve digital transformation goals. The study conducted a survey on September 2018 of more than 150 analysts, managers, and business executives from different organizations in Saudi Arabia. Also, the study interviewed technology vendors, government official from the Ministry of Information and Technology, and business analysts to identify areas where the organizations and government should focus on to facilitate digital transformation. From the research results, the study found out that Saudi Arabia is at infancy or early stage of digital transformation and most of the organizations in the country are not ready for digitalization. Moreover, the study identified four pillars of digital transformation readiness. These pillars include fostering a mindset of innovation and change, building a foundation, investment in cybersecurity, and organizations collaboration with government and other relevant stakeholders.