Preparing Organizations for Digital Transformation: A Systematic Literature Review of Skill Development in Organizations with Practical Recommendations

Viktoria Loidl; Ning Zulauf; Jung Sun Sung; Maha Chahine

doi:10.2478/ijhrd-2026-0007

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Preparing Organizations for Digital Transformation: A Systematic Literature Review of Skill Development in Organizations with Practical Recommendations

International Journal of Human Resource Development: Practice, Policy and Research

Volume 10 (2026): Issue 1 (June 2026)

By: Viktoria Loidl, Ning Zulauf, Jung Sun Sung and Maha Chahine

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of skill development for digital transformation in organizations using the Continuous Change Model (CCM). As digital and global business environments evolve rapidly, human resource development (HRD) professionals play a key role in managing change. Within skill development, the CCM highlights learning and development professionals as change agents who facilitate this continuous transformation. This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to conduct a systematic review of the empirical literature on skill development in digital transformation. 25 journal articles published between 2012 and 2024 were analysed. The findings indicate that much of the research remains focused on identifying challenges and proposing theoretical solutions, with limited attention paid to implementing and evaluating change initiatives. Organizations face difficulties keeping pace with digital transformation, and empirical studies on the execution and assessment of skill development strategies are scarce. This study contributes to both academic and practical discussions by addressing this research gap. For HRD practitioners, it offers a comprehensive tool kit with strategies to support upskilling efforts. By identifying critical initiatives, this study provides actionable recommendations to bridge skill gaps and enhance the effectiveness of digital transformation in organizations.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijhrd-2026-0007 | Journal eISSN: 2397-4583

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Language: English

Page range: 86 - 102

Published on: May 25, 2026

Published by: University Forum for Human Resource Development & World Federation of People Management Associations

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

Keywords:

digital transformation,

skill development,

continuous change model,

upskilling,

reskilling,

practitioner tool kit

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Business management,

Human resources, labor practice, job and career,

Business management, other

© 2026 Viktoria Loidl, Ning Zulauf, Jung Sun Sung, Maha Chahine, published by University Forum for Human Resource Development & World Federation of People Management Associations
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 10 (2026): Issue 1 (June 2026)