The good, the bad, and the ugly: Digital transformation and the Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Digital transformation is changing the world landscape with the rise of new technologies such as social media, IoT, blockchain, big data, etc. However, despite the multiplicity of technological novelties and recipes for their successful implementation, whether in business, public administration, or private life, these initiatives are taking much longer and facing more difficulties than has been expected. During the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and with the implementation of social distancing, digital transformation has become a major issue. Nevertheless, while adopting the same was inevitable, the world has encountered several challenges to do that. Thus, this study aims to understand the role of digital transformation during the Covid-19 pandemic, by analyzing several mini-cases in Brazil. Therefore, via an integrative approach, one analyzed the positive, negative, and unforeseen outcomes accrued from digital transformation initiatives in Brazil, unveiling potential challenges and opportunities for technology in a post-Covid-19 reality. © AMCIS 2021.