Digital transformation: from ambition to execution

As digital systems become increasingly complex and interdependent, the transformation of technology, process and culture demands more than ambition, it requires precision, adaptability and clear strategic focus. Explore the forces redefining success in digital transformation, and the strategic insights guiding businesses forward. 

Strategic ambition meets a shifting digital landscape 

According to this year’s Forvis Mazars C-suite barometer, business leaders remain focused on growth, and confident in their ability to deliver it, yet the conditions for growth are shifting. Senior executives cite economic uncertainty, increasing competition and rising political instability as growing pressures. In response, two-thirds of businesses are increasing overall investment, consistent with recent years, but the proportion of leaders who feel very confident in their organisation’s readiness for the future has dipped. The message is clear: ambition remains high, but confidence in delivery is under strain. 

Digital transformation strategy at the frontier of growth 

Behind these investment decisions lies a sharpened focus on technology transformation. This year, 43% of C-suite leaders identified digital transformation strategy as one of their top five priorities, up from 32% the previous year, reflecting a growing focus on comprehensive digital transformation strategies. Their goals span efficiency, resilience, productivity, security and growth. Encouragingly, 85% believe their organisation will see a return on its technology investments, but the nature of technological transformation is changing. It is no longer a case of standalone upgrades or system replacements. Increasingly, digital capabilities are converging into complex, interdependent systems, ones that behave in unexpected ways, and that cut across traditional organisational boundaries. 

This is why, despite strong intentions and rising budgets, many efforts involving digital transformation technologies still fall short in practice. The challenge is not just setting direction, it is ensuring execution delivers under real-world complexity.

Prepare for what’s next 

To help businesses close the gap between strategy and delivery, we have curated a set of insights exploring several areas central to effective transformation. 

• Data strategy - roadmaps to structured data piping as a foundation for transformation
• Risk management - shaping compliance into an enabler of innovation 
• Emerging technologies - how to embed AI into core business operations responsibly 

Perspectives designed to help complex organisations navigate digital transformation with greater clarity, control and long-term value. 

Contact our experts to drive your digital transformation journey. 

Contact us