The ‘How’ of Digital Transformation: Understanding the Micro-Processes of Digital Transformation Strategising and Internal Platformisation Coevolution

Abstract This study contributes to emerging research on ‘the how’ of Digital Transformation (DT). Focusing on internal digital platforms, it aims to investigate how DT unfolds through mutual shaping of DT strategising and internal platformisation processes. It seeks to understand the (often hidden) micro-processes through which this mutual shaping unfolds. Based on the research insights from three case studies, interpreted through the lens of coevolution theory, we propose a theoretical model of mutual shaping of DT strategising and internal platformisation as a coevolution process that unfolds through six types of micro-processes, which are identified and theoretically explained. This research contributes to DT literature in IS by advancing the ‘how’ of DT involving internal digital platforms as well as to the coevolution theory by proposing a novel concept of anticipatory adaptation. The main practical contribution is in making visible the often-hidden inner working of DT involving internal platforms, so that it could be analysed, improved and implemented in different organisational contexts.