The DX4D Illusion: Results from a Stakeholder Survey on Digital Transformation for Development

Digital transformation is a buzz term in the development sector but we have heard little or nothing as yet from individual stakeholders. This paper provides an original contribution by presenting results from a survey and workshop held with a range of digital development stakeholders drawn from government, NGOs, the private sector, international development agencies, and research organisations. Guided by debates and issues within existing literature, the survey asked about stakeholder understandings, views and future research priorities regarding DX4D: digital transformation for development.

It found mainly incremental interpretations of transformation when respondents were asked about DX4D definitions, examples and challenges. That worldview is clearly out-of-synch with metamorphic meanings of transformation. Yet, when pushed, stakeholders could differentiate transformative from incremental applications of digital technologies in development, and we found some evidence of pressure to apply the label of transformation to non-transformational initiatives. Alongside, there was clear interest in more DX4D-related evidence and guidance with a research agenda including best practice guidelines, measurement of impact, and investigation of political economy.