Problem
How Does Digital Transformation Happen?
The Mastercard Case
Taking on Cash "One of the biggest things we did was to redefine our competition. Once we got [that] right, then the vision of the company became very clear."
Ajay Banga, CEO, Mastercard1
Although news headlines warn established companies that they must "disrupt or be disrupted", the meaning of digital transformation continues to elude most business leaders. Does it mean becoming a social network like Facebook, an information platform like Google, a booking exchange like Uber, or a messaging service like WeChat? What examples exist of successful digital transformations, and what do firms do to make it happen?
i. What business is Mastercard in? What is MC considering as key opportunities in the future digital environment?
ii. What in MC's approach to innovation works well? What does not work well?
iii. What strategy did MC adopt and why?