In fall 2016, executives at Saubermacher — a waste management company headquartered in the quaint Austrian town of Graz — executed the first step of their digital transformation and ecosystem strategy. They had created “Wastebox,” an app-based waste disposal platform, connecting construction companies with waste disposal firms. As CMO Andreas Opelt told us, Wastebox garnered a significant valuation only two years after inception and led one of the global industry leaders, Veolia of France, to seek out a partnership with them.
The Transformer’s Dilemma
Interviews with top executives reveal how to manage a new digital business alongside your core offering.
November 12, 2019
Summary.
Companies that manage to implement a digital transformation all face a core dilemma: how do they maintain profitability in their legacy business activities while reaping the full potential of this new digital ecosystem business? How can companies survive this dilemma? Interviews with almost 100 Chief Transformation Officers, Chief Digital Officers and other top executives at over 80 global companies – all notably established firms with a long history, as opposed to startups – reveal that success requires five elements.
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New!
HBR Learning
Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.