Designing the Digitization Platform of Information and Communication Technology Companies

The rapid changes in the value chain have been driven by the expansion and establishment of businesses utilizing new technologies, accessing larger markets, and increasing global transaction volumes through the digitization process. The presence of a technological platform incentivizes companies to thrive in a globally competitive environment. The faster companies can adapt to the new digital environment, the fewer risks they will face in international markets, and the more secure they will be in their operations. A digitalization platform can change the strategic context, competitive structure, and behavior of a company, serving as a factor for exploiting opportunities and forming the basis of success and competitiveness for companies. The transformation of the global economy has created numerous opportunities for companies, many of which need to adapt their processes quickly and effectively to the changes. This research aims to present the digitalization platform of companies and to outline the necessary steps to understand and implement digitalization. The two components have been studied together in an integrated manner so that understanding them can facilitate the implementation of this process.
This qualitative study utilized meta-synthesis. In this context, specific research terms such as digital transformation, digital platform, digitization, and digital business were queried in databases including Emerald, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis, ScienceDirect, Wiley, SID, Noormags, and Magiran from 2000 to 2022. The search included 673 studies. The studies were evaluated in several stages, and articles that were unrelated in terms of title, abstract, content, and research method quality were excluded from the analysis. To assess the validity of the studies and the quality of the research methods, the critical appraisal tool "CASP" was utilized, and 52 studies were included in the final analysis. Sandolwski and Barroso introduced a 7-step method for meta-synthesis, which was utilized in this research..
Based on the research conducted in this field and the identification of 97 codes, the results indicate that 16 concepts in four categories constitute the digitalization platform of companies. These concepts are grouped into four categories: competitiveness based on digitalization, digital capacity building, digitalization facilitators, and digitalization capabilities. Its radical nature stems from the fact that digitalization involves a transformation of the business model. Digitalization is not just about technology, but also about how technology is used to create value and capabilities through the process of adopting technology. It is important to clarify that the speed of digitization in companies is not determined by the type of industry, but rather by the maturity level of the companies.
In recent years, the use of digital technologies in the business world has been on the rise. This has led to increased pressure on companies to align their business strategies with technological changes, as technology continues to emerge and grow in importance. Companies across different industries are implementing various initiatives to uncover and leverage their competitive advantages. These initiatives involve transforming traditional business processes and organizational structures. With digital transformation, organizations will change more rapidly. Consequently, the environment surrounding organizations has become increasingly unstable, uncertain, and complex compared to the past, making the use of technology inevitable. The framework of digitalizing companies encompasses concepts such as cost management, enhancing innovative efficiency, competitive pressure, expanding market share, leadership through digital transformation, organizational infrastructure, communication channels and networks, digital maturity, global competition and international interactions, investment effectiveness, standardization and improvement of business processes, human resource productivity, exploration of digital trends, fostering a digital mindset, effective decision-making, and strategic digital renewal.