How many years have we been hearing about the digital transformation and how absolutely necessary it is for business to get on board if they want to last? The current Covid-19 situation, unprecedent in “modern” times, is definite proof that this is the biggest of challenges. After all, revolutions are always the result of some type of crisis.

We have, in a few weeks, semi-adapted to a digital lifestyle that many of us had rejected for so long. From the smallest things such as shopping at the greengrocer on the corner or in a supermarket, having work meetings with the whole team, at the same time, talking to friends and family, entertaining ourselves, studying and receiving classes … practically everything we do in our day-to-day, rather than not doing because of the circumstances, we have transformed it into a digital environment.

And businesses that were previously ready for this are the ones making the most. Food stores, pharmacies, delivery companies, online communication platforms, restaurants with online ordering, streaming platforms; in fact, online shopping has increased more than 60% during confinement. What would become of us at this time if we did not have these options available? And there is room for growth, because the usual thing nowadays is to have to queue online or waiting times for deliveries much longer than usual.

The way we have shifted to digital worlds is providing the biggest data collectors such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc. with a huge amount of information, which will translate into a greater ease that the user will find each time they have contact with a digital platform. From now on, we will see many changes in interfaces, more intuitive applications and websites, increasingly personalized ads with more obvious targets … the old shock of talking about something you want and seeing it announced in your Instagram feed 5 minutes later.

It might just be that we are adapting so well to this digital way, that we will force the remaining businesses that have not jumped on the transformation bandwagon to do so, if they did manage to survive this hit, that is.

Technological transformation is no longer just a choice. This evident need will mean an even bigger boost in the careers related to communications and IT, digital marketing, online advertising, content generators, data processors, web designers, etc. Of course, all this internet will continue to put online privacy and security in the spotlight, so we will be hearing a lot more about the cybersecurity expert, the data protection compliance advisor, or the chief information security officer… Individuals and companies that want to prepare for the very near future should be thinking about mastering some of these areas.

On the other hand, for companies of all sizes, the realization that many jobs can actually be done from home will most likely result in a reduction of workspaces (let’s face it, nobody wants to pay for offices that are not needed), thus impacting, yet again, the necessity for focusing on the ITC sector and all the opportunities created by this crisis.

This digital transformation on-going process is so enormous, that the International Data Corporation attributes 20% of the global GDP, that’s about 19$ trillion, to the investment being made in it. Can you even begin to fathom what that number will be say… next year? We may just be on the verge of living the final stage. But the question remains…are we ready for it?

 

Bei Agola

Research Project Coordinator at Arpo