Covid pandemic has accelerated digital transformation

Covid-19 has led to companies accelerating their digital transformations

Eight out of ten heavy industry companies are well-equipped to take on the challenges of digital transformation and decarbonisation as they come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report from Shell and Goldsmiths, University of London. 

The survey of 300 global business leaders from heavy industries – defined as construction, agriculture, metals, energy and mining – revealed that, during the pandemic, 75% of businesses delivered up to five years’ worth of change around digital transformation over the last 18 months and 76% have achieved the same with their decarbonisation efforts.

Approximately 48% of leaders saw increased investment into digital transformation, with 41% seeing the same rise in budget for decarbonisation activities. 

Over 80% highlight a lack of expertise in navigating the complexity of available decarbonisation options as a barrier to progress, despite 78% saying they are well-equipped to understand the long-term impact of new sustainability targets. 

“Organisations – and their leaders – have been forced to accelerate their decision making in critical areas,” said Mario Viarengo, global industry marketing general manager, Shell Lubricant Solutions. “Leaders have stepped on the gas to drive rapid transformation, and they cannot afford to ease off now.”

Download the report here.