Digital thinking as a navigator of the progressive digitalization process in an enterprise

The necessity to create digital awareness imposes the need for organizations to utilize opportunities and mitigate threats associated with the ongoing digital transformation process. This awareness is based on the triad of perception, action, and knowledge. Consequently, we assume that one of the key factors determining digital awareness is digital thinking, which must be systematically monitored. Diagnosing and identifying gaps that affect the effectiveness of digital possibilities in the value creation process of every organization enables not only the development of knowledge resources but also the continuous reinforcement of digital thinking.

The main objectives of this study are: the identification of key attributes of digital thinking in relation to the competitiveness of businesses, diagnosing the level of digital thinking in domestic enterprises, identifying gaps in this area, and providing recommendations that can positively impact the digital transformation process and enhance a company's competitiveness.

In addition to literature studies, the achievement of these objectives is based on our own survey research conducted in 2023 on a sample of 869 domestic enterprises. The evaluation focused on 24 statements characterizing digital thinking using a 7-point Likert scale.

Using the Helwig method, we diagnose the overall level of digital thinking in the enterprises. Further identification of digital thinking areas that include a focus on development, transparency of processes, courage to take action, and innovation allowed us to identify the weakest links in terms of digital thinking in enterprises, thus positively verifying the key hypothesis indicating the existence of gaps in digital thinking.

The conducted research enabled us to provide recommendations that, when implemented, should positively impact the level of digital thinking and the degree of digital transformation in enterprises.