Title: Two decades of digital transformation in business - a review and research agenda

Authors: Ashish Saxena; V.V. Ravi Kumar

Addresses: Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, G-O-Square, Wakad, Pune, 411057, Maharashtra, India; Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India ' Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: Digital transformation (DT) has emerged as an important concept that stimulates several academic research streams and influences practice. The literature regarding DT is still evolving. This literature review aims to establish a greater understanding of DT through examining the fragmented and diverse academic literature on this concept. Based on a systematic review of academic research works of the past two decades, this study provides rich insights into the fundamental understanding of DT. Out of 1,092 identified studies, 130 were selected for a detailed review. The findings suggest that the industry should adapt its business strategies to the changing digital landscape, among other initiatives. The study reveals that there is more to DT than just investing in new technologies. This review should contribute greatly to future exploration as it expands the literature by identifying the need for further research in the area and defines the research agenda for future researchers.

Keywords: digital; digital transformation; digital technologies; digital strategy; digitalisation; big data; innovation; literature review; systematic review; research agenda.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2025.150753

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2025 Vol.50 No.4, pp.451 - 479

Received: 27 Sep 2021
Accepted: 03 Mar 2022
Published online: 23 Dec 2025 *

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