Framework for the identification and demand-orientated classification of digital technologies

The digital transformation is increasingly changing the way companies do business. The core element of the digital transformation and a success factor for the future viability of companies is the usage and commercialization of digital technologies. Contrary to their increasing importance, many companies hesitate to introduce digital technologies into existing value creation systems and their market performance. The reason for this is very simple: Most of them do not know how to properly approach the digital transformation. It is a major challenge for them to classify, structure and assess "digital technologies" for applications in the industrial sector. This research paper addresses the resulting need for action with a framework for the identification and demand-oriented classification of digital technologies. The framework consists of five subordinate results. Serving as the foundation of the framework, a clear definition of the term "digital technologies" is provided (1), including a distinction from related concepts by using a multi-level decision tree for technology differentiation. (2) Based on this, a technology canvas provides relevant technological characteristics for the detailed characterization of digital technologies. For this characterization, a conglomerate of established and new necessary distinguishing features is presented. Furthermore, (3) a developed classification scheme (based on a multidimensional scaling of digital technologies) is presented, which enables the assignment of digital technologies to demand-orientated technology classes. The technology classes are linked to generic benefit classes (4), providing transparency about the general benefits and the value of the considered technologies for the value creation, market performance. Finally, (5) a three-dimensional assessment scheme allows a generic, criteria-based assessment of the benefits of digital technologies for a company under consideration. The evaluated framework provides in particular manufacturing companies with a practical approach for identifying and structuring the benefits of digital technologies according to their needs. Thus, the application of the framework serves as a basis for valid decisions on the use of digital technologies in value creation systems and market performance.