Tool
Digital transformation has the potential to enhance research outcomes significantly. Fundamentally, it involves integrating digital technologies in order to streamline operations and improve processes. Data must be properly collected, processed,…
Digital transformation has the potential to enhance research outcomes significantly. Fundamentally, it involves integrating digital technologies in order to streamline operations and improve processes.
Data must be properly collected, processed, analysed, and stored for a digital system to function effectively. When these elements are in place and supported by the right systems, transformation can take place. This change brings about a fundamental shift in the way an organization creates value.
To fulfil their mandate effectively, African Science Granting Councils (SGCs) must ensure the digital data they collect is accurate and reliable. In addition, the digital information they use must be collected in an affordable and timely manner. To do this, SGCs require efficient and integrated data management systems. These systems must store information and make it accessible and usable. Digital transformation is key. It offers SGCs an opportunity to modernize how they collect, manage and analyse data.
Of course, while there are benefits, there are also challenges. Through digital transformation, Councils can accelerate decision-making, fostering collaboration and amplifying research impact. However, transformation is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Each SGC operates within a unique national and institutional context. Therefore, they require a tailored roadmap to guide digital systems development. In this blog, we take a look at the Digital Transformation Roadmap Toolkit what it is and how it supports SGCs.
What is the Digital Transformation Roadmap?
The Digital Transformation Roadmap Toolkit has been developed under the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI) to support SGCs in achieving digital transformation. The Toolkit serves as a strategic guide designed to help African Science Granting Councils (SGCs) develop, implement, and maintain effective digital data management systems. It was developed as part of the Evi-Pol project under the SGCI.
Evi-Pol is led by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya in partnership with the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in South Africa and Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD) in Senegal
The roadmap helps SGCs align digital tools with their mandates. Furthermore, it supports them in strategic planning for future challenges, including evolving data policies and technological shifts.
What information does the roadmap contain?
In terms of content and structure, the roadmap contains various handy sections and tools. Firstly, it explains why a guide to digital transformation is needed. This section provides valuable background and insights into the concept. Importantly, it includes a handy ‘overview’ table, which shows each milestone and the steps and templates needed at each one.
Secondly, the roadmap considers digital transformation in relation to SGCs. It describes why transformation is essential for SGCs and includes their challenges. It consists of seven principles of transformation and details no, partial and full digital systems.
Thirdly, the toolkit covers the creation of roadmaps from no or partial systems to full ones. Several key milestones must be achieved as part of a roadmap to full transformation.
The toolkit covers each milestone in a separate sub-section chapter, from strategy development to systems implementation. Step by step, the guide offers insights into moving forward in the digital transformation journey.
The toolkit guides SGCs through six milestones, identifying:
- Assessment of organizational readiness
- Development of a digital transformation strategy
- Investment in digital infrastructure
- Training and development of employees
- Implementation of digital systems
- Monitoring and evaluation of digital systems
A look at the roadmap’s templates and tools
Finally, the toolkit provides 14 templates and tools, ranging from a digital maturity assessment tool to a project prioritization tool.
- Digital Maturity Assessment Tool
- Digital Transformation Goals Template
- Digital Transformation Process Mapping Tool
- Digital Strategy Implementation Plan
- Agile Project Plan
- Project Critical Success Factors: Project report
- Project Critical Success Factors: Dashboard data, including examples
- Change Management Process
- Change Impact Assessment
- Change Proposal
- Change Management Policy Document
- Software Evaluation Matrix
- Staff Training Plan
- Digital Transformation (Project) Prioritization Tool
Each template supports SGCs in their journey towards digital transformation. The goals template, for example, prompts SGCs to think about and record their missions and vision. What will be transformed? Which stakeholders will benefit? What technologies are required?
The toolkit also includes additional resources, such as notes from a masterclass on the interoperability of data management systems.
The digital transformation roadmap – from challenge to opportunity
Digital transformation is a necessary process for data-driven organizations. SGCs may face challenges such as a staff shortage with the skills necessary for transformation. Moreover, upfront costs may seem high for public institutions.
Nevertheless, the improved efficiency and enhanced data access and collaboration reap rewards. Automating processes and digitizing data management accelerates workflows.
This, in turn, leads to faster, more accurate decision-making. Digital systems make it easier to store, retrieve and share data. As a result, this improves collaboration among teams and increases the overall impact of research and policy decisions.
The Digital Transformation roadmap is a helpful guide to make the process straightforward, customizable and, above all, effective.
Research and Resources
Themes
The SGCI aims to strengthen the capacities of these SGCs to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development.
