Digital Intelligence

An overview and comparison of physical intelligence

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6a, Chapter 6b, Chapter 7a, Chapter 7b, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19, Chapter 20, Chapter 21

Background

Let me briefly introduce myself and why I write this article. This is my first article about “Digital Intelligence” on Medium. I researched the topic extensively in industry and academic settings, also published books and articles about this specific intelligence type, one of the books was also translated into Spanish and German. I mentored several proteges who transitioned from technical professions to the greener pastures of intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial roles leveraging the digital intelligence capabilities.

During my interactions with these bold and transforming individuals, I noticed that one of the key attributes of the contemporary inrapreneurs and entrepreneurs is being digitally intelligent.

My aim in this article is to provide an informative background, set the context, and create a common understanding of digital intelligence for intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs.

What does digital intelligence mean?

Frankly, I have not come across a standard definition for digital intelligence in the literature so far. Even more depressingly, I have not seen an established body of knowledge or substantial publications directly researching the phenomena of digital intelligence in traditional settings, let alone within entrepreneurship context.

However, does it mean that “digital intelligence” does not exist? Not in my humble opinion. It is evident and an essential success factor for entrepreneurs.

Interestingly, during my literature search of the topic, I came across a few case studies using the term “digital intelligence” and skimmed through the content mainly in the form of marketing brochures, sales pitch, short articles in trade magazines, and aspiring blogs discussing digital quotient in a fragmented way with ambiguous definitions and unclear context.

However, there is some documented activity and thought leadership approach to the topic in the industry so I thought at least it is better than nothing!

Based on these preliminary findings, I took the plunge and made an effort to define digital intelligence as a powerful term and one of the essential characteristics of entrepreneurs, at the most fundamental level.

My goal is to provide an understanding of this term and add clarity to the desired context. Just to level set, my purpose is to create awareness and show some thought leadership based on my professional experience in digital transformation initiatives, not to credit myself unrealistically as an expert in the field, as the field does not fully exist yet or it is just about to emerge.

My definition of digital intelligence, at a high level, is the ability to convert or represent the physical world in digital format. Even though this definition sounds simple and straightforward, these two critical defining verbs (convert and represent) have a loaded meaning and pose enormous complexity to the topic.

The terms -convert and represent- can extend to multiple disciplines and professional domains as far as the digital intelligence of entrepreneurs is concerned. The term “ability” covers a broad spectrum of processes, people, tools, and technologies in the entrepreneurs‘ capability agenda.

Physical versus Digital

Physical and digital are two distinct worlds with dissimilar entities and complex relationships. These two distinct worlds have their inherent capabilities and limitations.

By leveraging the established and emerging body of knowledge in computer science, material science, data science, information technology, artificial intelligence, and engineering disciplines, we found innovative ways to represent the physical world in digital formats. Therefore, these two distinct worlds are now interrelated and can enhance each other’s scope and functionality for new capabilities.

When I was exploring general human intelligence compared to artificial intelligence as part of my doctoral cognitive studies, I discovered that intelligence is simply the ability to acquire knowledge and skills and apply them as required. Later through my experience in computing and information technology engagements, I found unique ways to transfer this traditional definition to further explore digital intelligence which is now a game-changer.

After years of experience in digital transformation engagements, I understood that digital intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply digital knowledge, skills, and capabilities encompassing the innovative platforms and compelling services of the digital world. The digital world consists of unique processes, technologies, tools, techniques, methods, and systematic approaches that we all are knowingly or unknowingly engage and immerse ourselves in our personal and professional lives.

There are one-way, two-way, or multiple-way relationships amongst the components of digital intelligence. This takes us to the critical point that our digital intelligence relates to understanding all relationships for these components, sub-components, and elements. This top-down understanding involves an enormously complex mental task hence requires in-depth knowledge of the digital world and cross-discipline skills to make sense of this fascinating world.

In other words, as intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, to be digitally intelligent, we must have in-depth knowledge of the process and acquire practical skills relevant to the growing digital business and technology disciplines which I plan to cover the details in my next articles.

In the meantime, as a spoiler alert, for intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs to be digitally intelligent, they must have a clear vision and flexible strategy to effectively use digital technology, processes, products, tools, services, including commercial and open-source offerings to achieve their business goals.

For my upcoming articles, I plan to transfer this emerging knowledge to the professionals and share this knowledge on Medium, hoping to add value to my favourite group of professionals — intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs — who have the passion and unique ways of creating new meanings, new services, and novel products internally and externally needed by our hungry society.

Your feedback and guidance to serve you better will be an invaluable asset to me.

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Disclaimer: Please note that this post does not include professional advice. I shared my reviews, observations, experience, and perspectives only for information.

About the Author

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I write about health as it matters. I believe health is all about homeostasis. I share important life lessons from people in my professional and social circles compiled in the attached collection. Here are Insightful Life Lessons from Personal Stories: A summary of valuable perspectives gained from people whose paths crossed with mine via serendipitous encounters.