{"id":25651,"date":"2026-03-03T22:25:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T20:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/glossary\/digital-maturity\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:15:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:15:31","slug":"digital-maturity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-maturity\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Maturity"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"background:#f0f1f3;padding:1.5rem;margin-bottom:2rem;border-radius:12px;\">\n<strong>In brief:<\/strong> Digital maturity describes how far a company has progressed in its digital transformation. It encompasses technology, processes, culture, strategy, and data utilization, and serves as a baseline assessment for developing an effective digitalization strategy.\n<\/div>\n<nav style=\"background:#f8f9fa;padding:1.5rem 2rem;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:2rem;\">\n<strong style=\"font-size:1.1rem;\">Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol style=\"margin:0.75rem 0 0;padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n<li><a href=\"#definition\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">What is Digital Maturity? \u2013 Definition <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#stufen\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">The 5 Levels of Digital Maturity<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dimensionen\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">The 6 Dimensions of Digital Maturity<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#assessment\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Digital Maturity Assessment: How to Measure Your Maturity Level<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#erhoehen\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Increasing Digital Maturity: Roadmap in 4 Phases<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#modelle\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Established Maturity Models in Comparison<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#kmu\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Digital Maturity in Austrian SMEs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Maturity<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#verwandte-glossar-begriffe\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#1a5276;\">Related glossary terms<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">What is Digital Maturity? \u2013 Definition <\/h2>\n<p>Digital maturity (Digital Maturity Level) is a multidimensional metric that measures a company&#8217;s progress on the path of <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\">digital transformation<\/a>. It captures not only the use of technologies, but also the digital competence of employees, the adaptability of processes, and the strategic anchoring of <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digitization\/\">digitalization<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Unlike a pure IT assessment, digital maturity considers the interplay of people, organization, and technology. A company with state-of-the-art IT but analog-thinking leadership has a lower maturity level than one that consistently works in a data-driven manner with simple technology. <\/p>\n<p>For Austrian SMEs, maturity analysis is the ideal starting point for <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/sme-digitization\/\">SME digitalization<\/a>: it creates transparency about the current state and enables a prioritized, resource-efficient digitalization roadmap.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"stufen\">The 5 Levels of Digital Maturity<\/h2>\n<p>Most maturity models distinguish five development levels:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:1rem 0;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#f1f5f9;\">\n<th style=\"padding:0.75rem;text-align:left;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Level<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:0.75rem;text-align:left;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Label<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:0.75rem;text-align:left;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Characteristics<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">1<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Initial \/ Ad hoc<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Digitalization is selective, no strategy, siloed solutions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">2<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Managed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Individual processes digitized, initial standards defined<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">3<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Defined \/ Integrated<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Company-wide digital strategy, connected systems<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">4<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Quantitatively Managed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\">Data-driven<\/a> decisions, AI adoption begins<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">5<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Optimizing \/ Transforming<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:0.75rem;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;\">Continuous digital innovation, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\">digital business models<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Important: A higher maturity level is not automatically better. What matters is that the maturity level fits the industry, company size, and strategic objectives. Not every SME needs to reach level 5\u2014but every company should know where it stands and where it wants to go.  <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dimensionen\">The 6 Dimensions of Digital Maturity<\/h2>\n<p>A comprehensive maturity model evaluates at least these six dimensions:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Strategy &amp; Leadership:<\/strong> Is there a clear digital strategy? Is <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\">digital transformation<\/a> a top management priority? Are digital initiatives aligned with the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-strategy\/\">innovation strategy<\/a>?  <\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Culture &amp; Competencies:<\/strong> How digitally affine is the workforce? Is there an <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-culture\/\">innovation culture<\/a> that encourages digital experimentation? Is there continuous investment in digital training?  <\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Processes &amp; Organization:<\/strong> How digitalized are core processes? Are <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/agile-methods\/\">agile methods<\/a> being used? Is there an end-to-end <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\">value chain<\/a> without media breaks?  <\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Technology &amp; Infrastructure:<\/strong> How modern and integrated is the IT landscape? Cloud readiness? Degree of automation? Cybersecurity level?   <\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Data &amp; Analytics:<\/strong> Is data systematically captured and utilized? Are there data-driven decision-making processes? Is AI being deployed? (<a href=\"\/glossar\/ki-strategie-unternehmen\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">AI strategy<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p><strong>6. Customers &amp; Ecosystem:<\/strong> How digital is the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/customer-journey\/\">customer journey<\/a>? Are there digital sales channels? How networked is the company with partners and suppliers?  <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"assessment\">Digital Maturity Assessment: How to Measure Your Maturity Level<\/h2>\n<p>A Digital Maturity Assessment typically follows this process:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Self-assessment:<\/strong> Online questionnaire for executives and employees covering all six dimensions<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interviews:<\/strong> In-depth discussions with key personnel from IT, functional departments, and management<\/li>\n<li><strong>Process analysis:<\/strong> Evaluation of core processes regarding digitalization level and optimization potential<\/li>\n<li><strong>Technology audit:<\/strong> Inventory of deployed systems, interfaces, and data management<\/li>\n<li><strong>Benchmark:<\/strong> Comparison with industry average and best practices<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maturity report:<\/strong> Visualization of results as a spider diagram with concrete recommendations for action<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Programs such as KMU.DIGITAL support external guidance for maturity analyses\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-consulting\/\">innovation consulting<\/a> can assist with both the analysis and the derivation of measures.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"erhoehen\">Increasing Digital Maturity: Roadmap in 4 Phases<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Phase 1 \u2013 Foundation (Level 1\u21922):<\/strong> Digitalize basic data, implement ERP\/CRM, define cloud strategy, build digital core competencies<\/p>\n<p><strong>Phase 2 \u2013 Integration (Level 2\u21923):<\/strong> Network systems, digitalize end-to-end processes, design digital <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/customer-journey\/\">customer journey<\/a>, formulate digital strategy<\/p>\n<p><strong>Phase 3 \u2013 Data-Driven (Level 3\u21924):<\/strong> Build <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/data-driven-business-models\/\">data-driven<\/a> decision-making culture, implement analytics, pilot initial <a href=\"\/glossar\/ki-strategie-unternehmen\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">AI applications<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Phase 4 \u2013 Digital Innovation (Level 4\u21925):<\/strong> Develop <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-business-models\/\">digital business models<\/a>, evaluate <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\">platform strategies<\/a>, continuous digital <a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business model innovation<\/a><\/p>\n<p>A realistic, prioritized roadmap is crucial. Not everything at once\u2014but consistently step by step. <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/change-management\/\">Change management<\/a> accompanies the entire process. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"modelle\">Established Maturity Models in Comparison<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>MIT Sloan Digital Maturity Model:<\/strong> 4 levels (Early, Developing, Maturing, Digitally Mature), focus on strategy and culture<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deloitte Digital Maturity Model:<\/strong> 5 dimensions (Customer, Strategy, Technology, Operations, Organization), practice-oriented<\/li>\n<li><strong>Industry 4.0 Readiness (VDMA\/WKO):<\/strong> Specifically for manufacturing companies, 6 dimensions, focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/industry-4-0\/\">Industry 4.0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>EFQM Digital Transformation Framework:<\/strong> European model with focus on excellence and sustainable development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"kmu\">Digital Maturity in Austrian SMEs<\/h2>\n<p>Studies show that many Austrian SMEs have a digital maturity level of 1.5 to 2.5\u2014i.e., between &#8220;Ad hoc&#8221; and &#8220;Managed&#8221;. The key areas for action: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Missing digital strategy:<\/strong> Digitalization is often project-driven rather than strategy-driven<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data silos:<\/strong> Information is trapped in isolated systems (Excel, email, local databases)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Competency gaps:<\/strong> Digital skills are lacking particularly in middle management and among skilled workers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Underinvestment:<\/strong> IT budgets are below the European average<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The good news: SMEs in particular can increase their maturity level quickly because decision-making paths are short and changes are not slowed by corporate structures. With the right <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-consulting\/\">innovation consulting<\/a> and use of <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-funding\/\">innovation funding<\/a>, a jump of 1\u20132 levels within 12\u201318 months is realistic. <\/p>\n<div style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f,#2563eb);color:#fff;padding:2rem;border-radius:12px;margin:2rem 0;text-align:center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color:#fff;margin-top:0;\">Determine Your Digital Maturity<\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size:1.1rem;\">Where does your company stand on its digital journey? We conduct a compact Digital Maturity Assessment with you and develop a prioritized digitalization roadmap. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-innovation-services\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#1e3a5f;padding:0.75rem 2rem;border-radius:8px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;margin-top:0.5rem;\">Request maturity check now \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">How long does a Digital Maturity Assessment take?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>For an SME, a compact assessment typically takes 2\u20134 weeks: one week for the online self-assessment, one week for interviews and process analysis, and 1\u20132 weeks for evaluation and roadmap creation. Lean self-assessments (e.g., the WKO digital check) provide an initial baseline in 30 minutes\u2014though less detailed. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">What does a maturity analysis cost?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>Costs vary depending on scope: A simple online self-check is often free (e.g., through WKO). A professional assessment by an innovation consultancy typically costs 3,000\u20138,000 \u20ac for SMEs. Through programs such as KMU.DIGITAL, up to 50% of consulting costs can be funded. Given the investments that a digitalization program entails, the assessment is a comparatively small but highly profitable investment.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">Does every company need to reach the highest maturity level?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>No. The target maturity level should be aligned with the industry, company strategy, and customer requirements. A craft business does not need to achieve the same digitalization level as a software company. What matters is that the maturity level is sufficient to remain competitive and meet customer expectations\u2014and that a clear development path is defined.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\">What is the difference between digital maturity and digital transformation?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<div itemprop=\"text\" style=\"margin-top:0.75rem;\">\n<p>Digital maturity is a snapshot\u2014it measures where a company stands today. <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\">Digital transformation<\/a> is the process\u2014the path a company takes to increase its maturity level. One could say: maturity is the map, digital transformation is the journey. Both concepts complement each other: without maturity analysis, there is no orientation; without a transformation process, the analysis remains inconsequential.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;padding:0;margin-bottom:0.75rem;\">\n<summary style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;list-style:none;\">Can a company skip digital maturity levels or must they progress step-by-step?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem 1.2rem;\">While sequential progression is typical, companies can leapfrog certain stages by learning from others and adopting modern technologies that bundle capabilities. For example, implementing cloud-based systems can jump you past on-premise infrastructure stages. However, skipping too aggressively often fails because organizational capabilities, culture, and processes need time to develop. Most successful transformations advance 1-2 maturity levels at a time, consolidating gains before the next leap.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Related Terms<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;margin-top:0.5rem;\">\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-management\/\">Innovation Management<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/design-thinking\/\">Design Thinking<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"\/en\/glossary\/business-model-innovation\/\">Business Model Innovation<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/digital-transformation\/\">Digital Transformation<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/lean-startup\/\">Lean Startup<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/change-management\/\">Change Management<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In brief: Digital maturity describes how far a company has progressed in its digital transformation. It encompasses technology, processes, culture, strategy, and data utilization, and serves as a baseline assessment&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24529,"parent":25140,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25651","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Point-of-New-Business-Model-Innovation-Benedikt-Hasibeder-scaled.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25651","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25651"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25651\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28056,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25651\/revisions\/28056"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25651"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}