Most businesses look to adopt digital business models and deploy new technology, but few British businesses feel like they are best-in-class. A new study conducted by IDC and sponsored by tech firm Cornerstone OnDemand found that business leaders in the UK don’t see themselves as ‘top performers’ in digital transformation, compared to confident regions such as The Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.

When HR and line-of-business managers were asked how their organisation compares to peers in its ability to leverage digital technology to drive changes in business models, only 23 per cent of British business leaders felt they exceeded their peers or were best-in-class. Swedish respondents were the most confident with 39 per cent, followed by the Dutch respondents with 30 per cent and German respondents with 27 per cent.

 “Every business is at a different stage of digital transformation and it’s both exciting and daunting in the same measure,” said Vincent Belliveau,Cornerstone OnDemand executive vice president and general manager EMEA. “HR has a fundamental role in digital transformation – especially given the numerous barriers, largely involving the workforce. HR’s shift to a strategic role in the business means focusing on engaging the workforce for digital success – and in turn boosting the confidence of British businesses.”

The study entitled Future Business: Unleashing Your Talent examines talent’s role in digital transformation through the perceptions and expectations of HR leaders and business managers across 14 European countries. IDC interviewed 1,469 HR professionals and business managers across 14 European countries working in organisations with more than 500 employees.

The shift to digital business models often requires changes to core organisational processes, and the biggest barrier to those changes is people – not technology or financial constraints. Aside from legacy IT systems, the biggest hurdles to digital transformation in the UK are centred around the company’s workforce.

According to IDC’s Bo Lykkegaard, HR professionals have a key role to play in executing digital transformation strategies.

“Digital transformation has become a top priority for organisations in the UK. Successful transformation requires changes in the way employees are managed, motivated and their skills developed. It also requires significant efforts in internal communication and change management,” he added.

A large majority (84 per cent) of European organisations interviewed are digitally transforming or planning to digitally transform their business. Line-of-business managers understand the importance of HR’s role in transformation, with 80 per cent believing that HR is important for digital success.