Digital Transformation: A Study of Application Requirements

RESEARCH ARTICLE Digital Transformation: A Study of Application Requirements Dr., Lecturer -A Ftissi Fouzia Faculty of Law and Political Science, Department of Law, Laboratory for Environmental Legal Studies – University of 8 May 1945 < < < < Doi Serial Guelma, Algeria. | Keywords Digital transformation, Information and communications technology, requirements.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Science, Education and Innovations in the context of modern problems (SEI) by IMCRA - International Meetings and Journals Research Association (Azerbaijan). This is an open access article under the CC BY license .

In recent decades, digital transformation has significantly expanded across various fields, bringing with it profound changes in the global landscape. It represents one of the most advanced tools adopted by developed countries to bridge the technological gap and stay in tune with the speed and efficiency demands of modern life. Digital transformation allows institutions to offer high-quality services through electronic transactions utilizing the internet, social networks, and artificial intelligence. As such, it is now indispensable for any entity seeking improvement and sustainability.

Nonetheless, the effective implementation of digital transformation requires a favorable environment and a set of interrelated prerequisites. These are vital for transitioning into a digital society capable of providing high-quality services that are easily accessible and cost-effective, anytime and anywhere. Hence, this study aims to identify the primary requirements for digital transformation and raise awareness among decision-makers regarding the critical elements necessary for a successful digital transition.

Research Question:

What are the main requirements for implementing digital transformation?

Methodology:

To address this question, the study employs both descriptive and analytical methods. The discussion is structured as follows:

• 1.    Concept of Digital Transformation

• 2.    Requirements for Digital Transformation

o Definition o Key Features o Objectives

o Legal and Political Requirements o Administrative and Financial Requirements o Human and Technological Requirements

First: Concept of Digital Transformation

• 1.    Definition:

Several academic definitions of digital transformation exist. Broadly, it can be understood as the application of modern technological tools—such as mobile phones, computers, and social media platforms—to enhance core business operations, streamline processes, and develop innovative business models.1

It is also described as the replacement of traditional human-driven systems with automated solutions, particularly in fields like education and training, thereby reshaping organizational structures and human resource configurations.2

Some researchers define it as the conversion of various information sources (books, periodicals, audio recordings, visual media, etc.) into machine-readable formats via binary code, which serves as the foundation of information systems3. Others describe it as a form of electronic documentation achieved either through:

• •    Image-based digitization, or

• •    Text-based digitization, allowing for modifications via optical character recognition (OCR) software.⁴

• 2.    Key Features:

Digital transformation has also been framed as a comprehensive shift driven by automation, dematerialization, and the reorganization of mediation processes, affecting all institutional activities.5 It entails the integration of technologies into all business functions (marketing, supply chain, finance, HR) to enhance performance, customer engagement, and competitiveness.6

Digital transformation has been defined as "a new business model based on the use of digital technologies to innovate new products and services, their distribution methods, and a focus on the customer or user."7 It is also described as "innovation through comprehensive change and the integration of available digital technologies into the processes of creating and producing value, business leadership, and especially our way of thinking."8

According to some authors, digital transformation is considered one of the most significant trends in the current era across industry and service sectors. It has become a fundamental characteristic of modern life. Digital transformation is a comprehensive program that affects an organization and its internal operations, as well as how it delivers services to its target audience more easily and quickly⁹. It is also defined as "the use of technology to support radical changes in an organization's operations." 10

Digital transformation also refers to the shift from a traditional system to a digital one based on information and communication technologies across all work areas. This shift requires several elements, including developing a digital transformation strategy, promoting a digital culture, designing digital programs, managing and financing digital transformation, and addressing human, technical, security, and legislative requirements.11

Based on the above, digital transformation can be described as a change process focused on converting information and data using new technologies that rely on the internet.

Digital transformation manifests through various technological innovations, including:

• •   Widespread internet connectivity

• •   Automation of knowledge

• •    Internet of Things (IoT)

• •    Cloud computing

• •    Advanced robotics

• •    Self-driving vehicles

• •    3D printing ¹²

• 3.    Objectives:

The main goals of digital transformation include:

• •    Enhancing access to public services and ensuring their quality

• •    Strengthening digital communication infrastructure and optimizing cost-efficiency

• •    Leveraging technological advancements in ICT

• •    Promoting transparency, operational security, and data protection

• •    Reforming education and training systems to develop future-ready skills

• •    Innovating business models and improving public-sector governance frameworks¹³

The Arab League identifies similar objectives, including:

• •    Increasing operational efficiency and reducing transaction costs

• •    Creating new job opportunities through digitally-driven business ventures

• •    Enabling governments to deliver high-quality, accessible public services

• •    Facilitating social participation and digital communication

• •    Enhancing internal administrative control and monitoring ¹⁴

Second: Requirements for Implementing Digital Transformation

Definition:

In the Arabic language, the term "requirement" denotes the act of seeking or attempting to obtain something. According to Webster's Dictionary, a requirement is defined as "something that is required in advance" or "an essential condition; something needed or necessary; a need." Similarly, the Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "something that is needed or asked for; a necessity or prerequisite.

Scholar Al-Sukkari views requirements as the identification of existing or potential resources, programs, and collaborative efforts aimed at linking and coordinating these resources to avoid duplication, conflict, and competition, thereby determining the scope and awareness of the services provided.15

Requirements are also understood as the essential needs necessary to perform a specific task, established through predefined standards. The Oxford Learner's Dictionary defines a requirement as "something that you need or want; something that you must have in order to do something else." 16

Procedurally, requirements can be defined as a set of conditions and elements that must be present within a system to transition from a traditional state to a new electronic state.17

The requirements for implementing digital transformation are characterized as a comprehensive infrastructure, including high-speed communication tools and modern devices; the qualification and training of personnel in the use of modern technologies; and the development of systems and legislation capable of managing institutions.

Accordingly, it is essential to enact the necessary legal statutes for the application of digital transformation. This includes pre-implementation measures, such as defining a legal framework that recognizes electronic transformation; measures during implementation, by addressing legal gaps and deficiencies that may arise at any stage of the transformation process; and post-implementation measures, by enacting laws that ensure the security of electronic transactions and delineate punitive procedures for individuals involved in cybercrimes.19

Political Requirements for Digital Transformation

Political requirements are manifested through the presence of a political will that supports the digital transformation strategy and endorses e-governance projects. This support can be provided through both material and moral assistance, which aids in overcoming obstacles and contributes to the overall development of digital transformation programs.20