The 2nd Digi-B-Well Workshop, held on November 20, 2024, brought into focus the digital transformation journey of Central Europe’s public institutions, academia, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Held under the theme “Digital and Healthy Organizations: Hope or Reality?”, the event explored the challenges, needs, and best practices necessary to navigate this critical shift. Researchers from the University of Bologna, Alena Metzenseva and Dott. Rita Chiesa presented a comprehensive survey analyzing the experiences of these sectors alongside a catalog of best practices designed to improve healthier and more adaptive digital workplaces.
Survey data collected from 36 representatives across Central Europe uncovered 338 needs and 332 challenges tied to digital transformation. Additionally, the researchers presented 17 best practices contributed by project and associate partners, enriched by insights from 11 scientific articles. The comprehensive findings of the survey highlighted both shared struggles among organizations and distinct concerns specific to each sector, stressing critical areas that require action to foster innovation and sustain digital transformation in Central Europe.
One of the top shared needs identified is skills development, with organizations stressing the importance of providing employees, managers, and the broader population with the necessary digital competencies. Training, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives were highlighted as critical to overcoming the talent gap. The second significant need is infrastructure improvements, as many organizations grapple with outdated technology and unreliable internet connections. Upgrading tools and ensuring access to modern digital infrastructure emerged as priorities. A further shared priority involved streamlining processes. Transitioning to digital workflows and reducing reliance on paper-based systems were identified as vital steps to improving organizational efficiency.
Despite these needs, the survey revealed three key challenges hindering progress. Resistance to change continues to be a significant barrier, fear of job displacement and the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality are common reasons for this reluctance. Management issues, including outdated leadership practices and a lack of digital skills among executives, also slow transformation efforts. Lastly, rigid organizational structures and bureaucratic hurdles make it difficult for institutions to adapt to evolving digital demands.
The workshop also provided a roadmap for overcoming these challenges. Consistently, the analysis of the best practices revealed that the formula for success in supporting digital transformation should be based on a multi-centric approach, emphasizing partnerships between public and private sectors to optimize resources and amplify transformation’s positive effects. Tailored interventions were also considered essential, as they address the specific needs of individuals, organizations, and communities, reducing resistance to change. Finally, a participatory approach, which includes early engagement, participatory design, continuous communication, and dissemination of initiatives is essential for achieving real and long-term change. The involvement of entire territorial communities can promote cultural change and prevent the risk of some minorities being excluded from the benefits of digital transformation.
Digital transformation is not just about adopting the latest technology but about people. Success depends on helping employees adapt, creating supportive work environments, and fostering a culture that embraces innovation. By addressing both technical and human needs, organizations can achieve sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial progress for all.