Why Digitalization Matters
Digitalization has many definitions that are perhaps too abstract to throw against the prevailing industrial-age attitudes. However, the pace of digital integration at all levels is fast becoming an indicator of measurable socio-economic success. Invisible influence emanates from regions (sometimes conveniently sized to constitute a state, such as Estonia, sometimes talent-magnetic locations, such as the Silicon Valley) who quickly digitalize not just industries and the economy, but also their practices and institutions of governance.
“Digitalization is the generic term for the Digital Transformation of society and the economy. It describes the transition from an industrial age characterized by analog technologies to an age of knowledge and creativity characterized by digital technologies and digital business innovation” — Def. by Innolytics
The secret of digitalized regions lies in aspiring for better global integration, not just providing benefits for their local citizens. As the author Rana Dasgupta has noted, this has been happening for years under the radar of the populist nation-state rhetoric recycling outdated slogans:
