Solis’ definition of digital transformation noted above is from Altimeter Group’s first maturity model for digital transformation, co-authored by Jaimy Szymanski, and in his new report, “The Race Against Digital Darwinism: Six Stages of Digital Transformation,” and it differs from other technology-first approaches.

Solis notes that although digital transformation is one of the most important trends in business, shaping how companies work, market and innovate. Solis identifies the six stages of digital transformation and a maturity model that was developed using extensive collaboration with some of the world’s leading brands.

We live in a time of digital Darwinism, an era in which technology and its impact on business is constant, yet with varying but inevitable degrees of disruption. The evolution plays out differently in each industry and each organization. Digital Darwinism is enriched through changes in people (your customers, employees and stakeholders) and the resulting market advancement. As such, it’s less about the origin of the species and more about its fate.

Solis said that many conversations around digital transformation are focused on the IT side, and technology does play a big role, but there’s a human side of the story and it’s driven by the customer experience.

Digital transformation is driven by the digital customer.

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