Six strategies that define digital winners

Purpose IBM research sought to identify the characteristics and strategies of the world’s most prosperous digital companies. The goal was to learn, “What is the secret to successfully leveraging platforms, AI and other digital technologies in today’s digital race? What strategies and operating models are winning?” Design/methodology/approach The IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) conducted a comprehensive worldwide study of 1,500 mostly C-level executives to learn about their investments, leading practices and cultures. Findings The capabilities that differentiate Leaders from others–learning, speed and ongoing exploration–enable their strategies. Leaders are passionate about developing customer experience-based connections, integrating workflows with artificial intelligence (AI) and automated technologies and personalizing their brands and employee experiences. Practical implications The six top strategies Leaders employ to perpetuate success are: 10; 10;1.9; Orchestrate digital ecosystems and platforms. 10;2.9; Build trust to build your brand. 10;3.9; Reimagine customer behavior. 10;4.9; Curate data that “thinks” and “acts.” 10;5.9; Create an exponential learning environment. 10;6.9; Foster a culture of inclusion. 10; Originality/value The study has significant value because it identifies the strategies of the Leader group and explains the processes and culture changes that empower them. The study also reveals numerous surprises such as the eagerness of the leading companies to step outside the norm and disrupt their markets, and then prepare to do it again..