EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In an era where digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity, businesses struggle to navigate the complexities of digitalization without a clear, structured approach. Recognizing this challenge, together with DATASEC a new, dynamic framework was created for strategy workshops that empowers organizations to take control of their transformation journeys. The lack of a standardized framework has often lacked scalability and efficiency, particularly in areas like document management and process optimization. This initiative provides a game-changing solution—an adaptable roadmap designed to guide companies, through a seamless and results-driven digitalization process. By introducing structured goal-setting, aligning digital strategies with business objectives, this framework transforms workshops into strategic powerhouses. Applying cutting-edge industry insights and expert methodologies the practical framework ensures that businesses are not only prepared for digital change but positioned to make the most of it.

Goal

The primary objective of this project was to develop a structured yet flexible framework for digitalization strategy workshops. The framework aims to guide companies’ digital transformation processes, providing companies with a clear step-by-step roadmap, defined milestones, and measurable success. By standardizing workshops while allowing customization for various industries, the initiative improves the efficiency of digitalization projects, enhances client decision-making, and facilitates long-term digital success. Designed for tailorism, it balances standardization with the flexibility needed to address industry-specific challenges.

Methodology

The project combines a literature review and expert interviews to develop a comprehensive framework. The literature review analyzed best practices in digital transformation, strategy development, and workshop facilitation, ensuring an evidence-based approach. In parallel, qualitative expert interviews with consultants, IT specialists, and academia provided practical insights into challenges, expectations, and methodologies for effective digitalization workshops. Findings were systematically categorized into key phases: workshop preparation, workshop execution, digital strategy formulation, and post-workshop implementation. This structured approach ensured a balance between theoretical and a hands-on, real-world applicability.

Results

The newly developed framework provides a structured, scalable, and results-oriented approach to DATASEC’s digital transformation workshops. Key components include pre-workshop preparation with clear goal-setting, interactive workshop techniques using structured creativity and prioritization tools, and a post-workshop roadmap with integrated tracking mechanisms. Practical tools such as TOGAF and the "Strategy to Action" framework enhance strategy formulation, while KPI tracking ensures continuous progress monitoring. By implementing this structured approach, companies can accelerate digital adoption, optimize internal processes, and achieve sustained digital transformation success.

Cooperation Partner

• DATASEC information factory GmbH - Welterstraße 57, 57072 Siegen

• https://www.datasec.de

Contact Person

• Friederike Leinbaum - f.leinbaum@datasec.de

• Sebastian Weber - s.weber@datasec.de

• Tobias Wilsmann - t.wilsmann@datasec.de

Student Team

• Elisa Marguet
  Adel Mussabekova
  Olga Drag
  Anna Kalugyer

Project Manager

• Melina Mazzucato, M.Sc.

• Caroline Fabian, M.Sc.

• Dr. Andrew Isaak, MBA