Summary:
In the last two years, the lives of people worldwide have changed in many aspects of their daily basis, due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Citizens around the world had to adapt and learn how to live in the new reality brought to them by the pandemic. At the same time, businesses have been forced to transform in various ways in order to cope with the new circumstances of the pandemic, so they can handle the crisis. Many companies have replaced their traditional way of operating, with a new one which is more digital, influenced by the prevailing technological development. Changing the way a company operates is not an easy task. The company must become more creative and innovative by choosing ways and technologies that best suit the philosophy and strategy of the company. COVID-19 forced many companies to digitally transform faster than they expected in order to survive.
The current diploma thesis is titled ‘Digital Transformation of Greek Businesses: a necessary condition for their survival’ deals with the topic of Digital Transformation of Greek companies and the progress of its implementation by them. Digital transformation is one of the most important issues in the business world. It is a phenomenon that is greatly influenced by technological developments. In order for a company to be digitally successful, advanced technologies must be combined with the company's strategy and ideas.
The paper consists of four chapters, the first chapter analyzes the concept and characteristics of digital business transformation, its value, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
The second chapter deals with the technologies and tools for the implementation of digital transformation in business. Some of these technologies are the Internet of things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence etc.
The third chapter introduces the concepts of digital economy, digital innovation and digital maturity. It also shows how digital transformation affects vision, leadership, and even the company's strategy.
The fourth chapter examines the level of digital transformation of Greek companies according to the DESI index of the European Commission, which evaluates the position of Greece in the European digital map. Finally, through the data of the DESI index, useful conclusions are drawn and policy proposals are presented in order to achieve digital convergence with other EU countries.
In conclusion digital transformation is an important and necessary tool for the operation and existence of a business, the use of which should not be postponed. In order for a company to be able to maintain or gain a competitive advantage, to adapt to the challenges, to redirect its strategy and its goals, it must take advantage of the digital transformation, by proceeding and implementing it.
Keywords:
Digital Technologies, Digital Maturity, Digital Economy and Society Index, Greek companies, Competitive Advantage
