Investigating Digital Transformation in 2025

Reflecting on the knowledge gained from this module, I feel more confident and intentional about my entrepreneurial path. Digital technologies, business models, and entrepreneurship tools are no longer abstract concepts — they are practical instruments I now know how to use and adapt. To apply this learning, I’ve developed a hypothetical business idea: an AI-driven platform that connects freelance creatives in Africa with global clients , providing portfolio tools, automated contracts, and payment security. This idea emerged from my understanding of digital business models — particularly platform-based and freemium models — and my awareness of socio-economic barriers faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Using cloud infrastructure and blockchain for secure transactions, the platform would reduce entry barriers and open international opportunities for talented creatives, aligning with the inclusive economic impact we studied. Emerging technologies like AI, smart contracts, and adva...

Understanding the socio-economic impacts of digital entrepreneurship has broadened my view of business beyond profit. I used to think entrepreneurship was mainly about innovation and financial success, but this module has shown me how digital ventures can influence society in profound ways — both positively and negatively. On the positive side, digital entrepreneurship is helping close economic gaps by enabling individuals from underprivileged or remote backgrounds to access global markets. For instance, a rural artisan with internet access can now sell products internationally through platforms like Etsy or Shopify. This fosters inclusive economic participation , creates new income streams, and contributes to local development (Soltanifar, Hughes and Lutz, 2021). Digital entrepreneurship also drives job creation and skills development in emerging tech sectors, from AI to app development. Moreover, platforms like Coursera and Udemy empower individuals to reskill themselves and part...

 Studying the opportunities and challenges of digital entrepreneurship has helped me appreciate both the exciting potential and the real-world complexities of this space. One of the most inspiring takeaways has been the ability of digital tools to lower traditional barriers to entry. Entrepreneurs today can launch ventures with limited capital, connect with global audiences, and scale at unprecedented speeds thanks to cloud platforms, social media, and e-commerce ecosystems (Soltanifar, Hughes and Lutz, 2021). For example, entrepreneurs can now access funding via crowdfunding sites, use low-cost marketing through digital platforms, and operate virtually without physical infrastructure. This democratization of entrepreneurship is incredibly motivating, especially for individuals from underrepresented or resource-limited backgrounds (Keyhani et al., 2022). However, this digital empowerment doesn’t come without its challenges. One major issue is digital saturation — markets are cro...

 Exploring entrepreneurship technologies has broadened my perspective on what it means to launch and scale a business in today’s digital-first world. These tools go beyond basic operational support — they play an active role in shaping how entrepreneurs innovate, collaborate, and compete (Keyhani et al., 2022). I learned that these technologies fall into three categories: artifacts (e.g. virtual reality, blockchain), infrastructure (e.g. AI, IoT), and platforms (e.g. cloud computing, social media) — each serving distinct functions within the entrepreneurial process. What stood out to me most is how these tools reduce uncertainty and cost while enhancing reach and impact. For instance, platforms like AngelList and Hootsuite support fundraising, marketing, and scaling with minimal overheads. As Rippa and Secundo (2019) explain, digital tools allow entrepreneurs to interact with a wider audience, make data-driven decisions, and respond to real-time feedback. Reflecting on this, I...

Learning about digital business models has completely shifted how I think about launching and sustaining a venture in the digital age. Before this course, I thought a business model was just about making money. Now I understand it's a comprehensive system that explains how a company creates, delivers, and captures value — and how digital technology can transform each part of that system (Osterwalder and Pigneur, 2010; DaSilva and Trkman, 2014). One major insight for me was the idea that digital technologies don’t just support business models — they actively shape them. For instance, models like subscription services (e.g. Spotify or Netflix) or platforms like Airbnb wouldn’t even exist without the tech infrastructure behind them. These models use data, automation, and connectivity to deliver continuous value, which wasn’t possible in traditional frameworks (Rachinger et al., 2018). In class, we explored how digital tools can disrupt or even terminate existing models while enabli...

Learning about digital technologies this term has been eye-opening and transformative for my entrepreneurial mindset. I’ve come to realise that digital innovations — such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and big data — are more than just tools; they are enablers of new business possibilities (Hinterhuber et al., 2021). These technologies are not only redefining how value is created and delivered but also disrupting traditional business operations and market dynamics (Rahayu and Haningsih, 2021). One key takeaway for me is how these technologies reduce uncertainty in the entrepreneurial journey. For example, cloud platforms and data analytics empower entrepreneurs to make real-time, data-driven decisions, which significantly improves agility and responsiveness. This aligns with Abu-AlSondos et al. (2024), who highlight that digital tools foster better market understanding and adaptability. A particularly engaging case we explored was Netflix’...