Why are companies struggling to go digital?

A survey shows 20.8% of firms say being understaffed is a key obstacle.

Amongst firms that can't go digital, 20.8% said a lack of talented staff with the right skills is hindering them from doing so, ICT firm Fujitsu Asia revealed.

According to its Global Digital Transformation Survey, other inhibitors were fear of change or internal resistance at 13.9%, lack of budget at 10.9%, no technology partners at 10.9%, and a lack of leadership at 9.9%.

In order to deliver successful outcomes, 25.6% of respondents saw streamlined organizations and processes whilst 20.9% saw strong leadership as key factors.

This was followed by having a talented staff with the right skills at 14%, a culture of transformation at 11.6%, and aligning digital initiatives with existing IT at 9.3%.

More than 1 in 3 business leaders in Singapore rated technology partners as the most important type of partner for digital success, followed by suppliers at 9.7%, sales partners at 9.7%, and consulting firms at 9.7%.

Respondents valued technology partners who are aligned with the organization's vision and strategy at 22.3%, followed strong technological capability at 17.5%, and trust for collaboration at 16.5%, as important attributes.

Here's more from Fujitsu Asia:

Close to 1 in 2 organisations embark on digital transformation projects in Workstyle transformation and operations. Manufacturing, logistics and finance are major areas of digital transformation in specific functional areas.

Professional knowledge of digital technologies is the most important capability needed in the digital era. Other key attributes include creativity and imagination, and professional knowledge of specific business functions.

More than three quarters (81.6% of respondents) are enthusiastic over the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) may bring.

More than a third (34%) of business leaders see the importance of having a strong technology partner to achieve digital transformation.