1. Digitalization is everywhere.

And it is necessary for winning and retaining customers. We live in a world that is digitally charged and connected, and it is growing exponentially more so as everything becomes even more connected.This is driven by new technologies and the customer experiences that have been reshaped by the use of these technologies, creating an increased preference for digital in the process. In response, modern technology and digitalization must now change how companies view themselves–no longer as value chains, but rather as enterprise ecosystems that must be connected.

2. Digitalization is dramatically destructive.

A disruptive, foundational change is taking place in the way all businesses are approaching value creation. The ubiquitous connectivity of people via the Internet and emerging technologies (such as social media, the Internet of Things, crowdsourcing, mobile, and cloud) are disrupting traditional and historic business assumptions–from how to engage customers, to the products and services offered, and ultimately, to business and revenue models. The barrier to new entries into all industries is falling or is already gone, creating more risk to existing business and revenue models. New entrants are finding it easier to build, launch, and sell much more rapidly.

3. Data and information are the new currency in the digital world.

And it is critical to the acquisition of insights about customers, the offerings of products and services, the creation of new products and services, and more. Increasingly, data is being connected to the cloud, allowing data to be available anytime, anywhere and in any way.

4. A massive paradigm shift in how we view and understand the world has occurred.

The necessity to view businesses in a bigger frame of the world must follow suit, otherwise the view will be too small and detrimental. Align around a vision, projecting possibilities and outcomes. Spend to achieve an opportunity or possibility, not to complete a project, otherwise you will find yourself trailing the competition. Just think big.

5. Operational excellence is table stakes and innovation is the price for future success.

The absence of action and innovation creates significant business risk and a potential for lack of relevance. Innovation is the price for strategy enablement and the creation of possibilities. Life-long learning, creativity, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the understanding of computer science, math and data are critical characteristics for future success.

6. Innovation and collaboration are mandatory for future success.

These are critical components for digital companies today, but the success with which they are employed will separate out the market leaders of tomorrow. The flow of information to engage collaboration through a network of resources and communities is vital to developing new products and services. The collective intelligence of ecosystems promotes entrepreneurship, provides a greater understanding of new technologies, and stimulates the learning and creativity that together are key characteristics for future success.