IT & Digitalization

Digital transformation is poised to reshape all aspects of our lives. Digitalisation is profoundly changing the way we work, produce goods, deliver services, move from place to place, research and learn things, and even relate to one another. Information and communication technologies (or ICTs for short) are at the heart of this transformation. Technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, robotics, 5G, AR/VR, blockchain or digital twin technology are currently creating vast new fields of opportunity for organisations in business, in government or in civil society. These opportunities are there for the taking for people with the right skill-set. However, digitalisation has also transformed the nature of IT. The conventional role of IT as a highly specialized and arcane activity somewhat separated from the rest of the business – “IT for ITs sake”— is fast becoming a core discipline intricately woven into the very operational and commercial fabric of businesses. For this reason, seizing the many opportunities of digital transformation calls for people and organisations to understand both digital technology as well as how IT applies to the real needs and challenges of businesses and individuals. In order to leverage the potential of digital transformation, then, professionals will need IT skills that help tackle complex business challenges thereby creating real value for organisations. By the same token, professional and executive education can no longer do without a solid grounding in IT knowledge.