The "Chief Digital Dilemma" is the thin line between the success and failure of the chief digital officer (CDO) and the need for the role. Many companies are bundling free-floating responsibilities into a single unit or person, but many fail to get real value out of the position. The issue is often in the set-up of the role, and by clearly defining the scope and responsibilities of such an entity, companies might not even need a separate position. Companies have now learned that "digital" has a significant impact on all levels of an organization, from the digital business model and services to operations, processes, production, and IT. This cross-company impact is the biggest challenge and hindering factor for successful digitization. The typical reaction of many companies with digital ambitions is to bundle responsibility and decision power centrally and install a new role. However, without a natural home for these topics, a new CDO may not be the best solution.
