Digitization rarely a matter for the boss

Three quarters of companies (74 percent) currently state that they have a strategy for managing digital change. However, the proportion has not changed compared to the previous year.

At the same time, digitization projects and digital innovations are now only initiated by the board or management in 42 percent of companies, compared with 51 percent a year ago.

In 86 percent of companies, the initiatives predominantly come from the IT department (2016: 78 percent). This is the result of a representative survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

"Digitalization is not only changing business processes, it is above all changing business models. Today, companies can become market leaders in retail without having their own warehouse, or become global leaders in overnight accommodation or transportation without owning a single property or vehicle."

says Axel Pols, Managing Director of Bitkom Research.

Hesitation is risky

Kay Müller-Jones, Head of Consulting and Services Integration at TCS, emphasizes:

"The study results reflect the rapid pace of digitization in Germany. Companies are feeling the disruptive effects much more strongly than a year ago. Anyone who still hesitates now is clearly risking market share."