Digital Transformation: A GNDI Quick Guide

This publication is intended to be a quick guide for directors. Content is derived and condensed principally from a publication entitled Governing Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies: A Practical Guide, developed by the (US) National Association of Corporate Directors with the support of Marsh McLennan, with additional insights garnered from among the vast resources from member institutes of the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI). Information is organized around five major digital governance principles, the common pitfalls and tips to counter those pitfalls. To view additional GNDI resources available for further reading and learning, go to the Resource Library under the GNDI website (www.gndi.org).

Planning and production of this publication was spearheaded by a working group under the Policy Committee of the GNDI.

Key Points

Five principles for governing digital transformation and emerging technologies: 

1. Approach emerging technology as a strategic imperative, not just an operational issue
2. Develop collective, continuous technology-specific learning and development goals
3. (Re-)align board structure and composition to reflect the growing significance of technology as a driver of both growth and risk
4. Demand frequent and forward-looking reporting on technologyrelated initiatives
5. Periodically assess the organization’s leadership, talent and culture readiness for technological change