Maturity Model from SAP and ERCIS Helps Companies Develop Skills for Digital Transformation

SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) announced that it has collaborated with the European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) to create a maturity model that enables companies to assess, track and develop the critical digital skills their workforces will need for their companies to succeed.

The maturity model helps companies prepare for the digital future by assisting them in defining their skill development strategy and by reinforcing supportive learning environments critical for growth. The model is based on a survey of 116 business and IT decision makers from 18 countries, as well as a series of in-depth interviews with 24 global companies.

The model was created to address the 64 percent of companies that do not have the personnel with the necessary skills for digital transformation, according to research conducted by the Technical University of Munich.

“Each company’s path is unique, but all companies need to prioritize digital skill development to be successful,” said Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dr. h.c. Joerg Becker, chair, Information Systems and Information Management, ERCIS. “Our maturity model gives companies a framework to assess where they are and the support to guide them to where they need to go.”

Some best practices outlined in this model entail identifying and closing skill gaps. Other best practices facilitate learning experiences that fit employee preferences by using on-demand, mobile, social, e-learning and classroom elements to create a self-directed, continuous, collaborative environment. Companies can use the maturity model as a guideline for defining, implementing and adapting their skill development approach to digital transformation.

“A successful digital transformation requires a systematic approach,” said Bernd Welz, executive vice president and chief knowledge officer, Products and Innovation, SAP. “Investing in education enables employees to succeed in evolving roles and ensures a clear path forward for both the company and the individual.”

Using best practices from various companies for guidance, the model outlines stages across three enablers of effective skill development: management of digital transformation, organization and culture. “It also outlines four dimensions of a learning architecture required to support this advancement: skill management, learning experience, absorptive capacity and learning measurement.”