“Understanding digital capabilities is the foundation of any company’s competitiveness. Without it, companies can’t plan their development path and choose the right technology for any given task,” says data expert Jussi-Pekka Parkkari of the Finnish Information Society Development Centre TIEKE.
TIEKE offers a wide range of solutions to help companies determine their digital and data maturity – that is, their ability to use digital technology and manage data effectively in their business processes. TIEKE can also help companies plan their development activities once their digital and data maturity has been clarified.
Identifying digital capability: the first step to improvement
TIEKE’s digital capability survey is a key means of improving operations for SMEs. Among other things, it can help identify processes where automation could reduce errors and improve efficiency.
“A digital capability survey allows a company to determine the state of their digitalisation and which areas they should most invest in. This gives the company a clear view of the development needs.”
Jussi-Pekka Parkkari, TIEKE
Digital capability surveys can serve businesses in any industry. TIEKE has carried out many surveys in different companies to help them find ways to improve their digital development.
“We have seen that these surveys can be a wake-up call for many companies. They understand that digitalisation is not just a technological investment, but also requires strategic planning and skills development.”
In-depth analysis of digital capabilities for strategic development
TIEKE provides a wide range of means to help companies improve their digital capability. One of these is maturity testing, which allows more accurate assessments of digital capabilities.
“Maturity testing provides a deeper analysis of a company’s digital capabilities to help identify areas that require specific improvements,” Parkkari says.
In addition to maturity tests, TIEKE can conduct company-specific interviews to help companies understand how to improve their digital processes. This personalised approach ensures that businesses receive customised support.
For example, TIEKE’s European Union-cofunded LogDigiS project uses preliminary surveys to assess a company’s digital capability and identify development needs from a staff perspective.
Peer learning boosts SME digitalisation
TIEKE not only provides solutions for businesses, but also acts as a network builder and peer-learning facilitator.
“Many of our projects help companies to learn from each other. This peer learning is an important part of developing digital capabilities, as it helps companies to see new opportunities and adopt better practices,” Parkkari says.
In the LogDigiS project, TIEKE is working with large companies such as DHL, whose digitalisation expertise serves as a model for smaller operators.
“Through peer learning, smaller companies can get clear ideas on how to improve through digitalisation.”
Jussi-Pekka Parkkari, TIEKE
TIEKE helps SMEs cope and thrive with digitalisation
TIEKE has been at the forefront of helping companies go digital since its founding in 1981. It has helped many SMEs discover the best ways to develop sustainably.
“In addition to working on projects, TIEKE is constantly developing new ways to help companies improve their digital capabilities. We also highlight our long-term work with digitalisation.”
It is important for SMEs to understand their own level of digital competence and make plans to develop it. TIEKE’s mapping, maturity tests and interviews with specialists help companies become increasingly competitive.
Digitalisation is not just a technological challenge; it is also an opportunity for companies to ensure smooth and efficient operations in the future.
TIEKE support for identifying individual digital skills as well
Identifying skills helps companies to see whether their employees have the skills they need, and also to identify hidden expertise. Among other benefits, it helps in planning training and in forecasting.
Employees should also systematically identify and develop their skills.
- The open-badge constellation of digital skills is designed to help individuals identify and improve their digital skills for both work and everyday life. It is free of charge to use.
- Open-badge constellations of digital skills are official indicators that individuals can use to demonstrate their skills to employers and others.
