Digital transformation framework for the egyptian manufacturing industry

Digital transformation is of crucial importance in the manufacturing industry, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic because of the increasing need for remote working and socially distanced workplaces. However, there is a lack of a clear and well-defined process to implement digital transformation in manufacturing. This research aims to develop an innovative framework to support digital transformation in the manufacturing sector and define its key assessment criteria for its successful implementation. This research contributes to the body of literature by creating a prioritised DT implementation method that is specifically customised for the manufacturing industry in Egypt. Additionally, this study considers the majority of DT process implementation factors, including leadership support, human factors, and digital technologies. A mixed research methodology approach has been employed in this research. Firstly, an extensive literature review related to digital transformation in the manufacturing industry was conducted. Secondly, a mixed method techniques were implemented to gather the required data from experts who are involved in digital transformation projects in their companies. Validation of the results was carried out using real life industrial case studies and experts judgment. The digital transformation process comprises eight stages covering technology, management, communications, and customer elements. The main contribution of this research work is the balance between the different elements of digital transformation – digital technologies, leadership and strategy, people and business processes – to create an integrated 8-step process of digital transformation in the manufacturing sector of developing economies such as the Egyptian economy. A new readiness assessment model was developed to measure the degree of readiness of manufacturing organisations to begin and develop their digital transformation processes. The model uses two dimensions as assessment criteria namely, Business Competencies Dimension and Technology Competencies Dimension. In addition, a proposed model of four main attributes and 19 sub-attributes was developed to determine the most important attributes regarding digital leadership given the special nature of developing economies and cultural and environmental changes in the Egyptian economy. The results indicated that an innovation mindset is the most important attribute to becoming a successful digital leader, followed by a digital business mindset, then the transformational mindset, and finally the inspirational mindset. Digital Transformation processes are unique and different from one case to another. Helping manufacturing organisations assess their readiness for Digital Transformation processes from a strategic level helps them better understand their capabilities and draw their vision based on this assessment.