The best 82 Digital Transformation books

The Gen Z Effect (2014) shines a light on the changes that we face in a hyperconnected world, both as individuals and in business. By embracing the mind-set and innovations of Generation Z, we can manage these changes and unite to create a brighter future for a world that no longer divides itself into generations.

The Future of the Professions (2015) examines how modern technology and the internet have revolutionized our society. These blinks in particular address how technology has changed the way society views the work of experts, the so-called professionals. The role of such experts is evolving quickly; here you’ll discover just what the future of professions will look like.

Algorithms to Live By (2016) is a practical and useful guide that shows how algorithms have much more to do with day-to-day life than you might think. And not just that; they can also lead to a better life by helping you solve problems, make decisions and get more things done.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (2016) tells the story of a new transformation in technology and industry. These blinks explain the major industrial revolutions of the past and go on to tell how a current industrial revolution is spawning new technologies that fuse previously separate fields – with incredible results.

The Seventh Sense (2016) unpacks the positive and negative aspects of today’s interconnected world. Terrorism is on the rise and the global economy is in a questionable state. The Seventh Sense explains how these issues are interrelated, and how society can still prosper in this network-dominated age.

New Power (2018) maps out the changing power dynamics of the twenty-first century. Digital technology and ubiquitous connectivity have exploded, altering the very nature of power itself – how it functions, how it’s won and how it’s held. Heimans and Timms explain who’s using this to their advantage, who isn’t and what these new forms of power mean for you.

The Robots Are Coming! (2019) provides a wide-ranging survey of the rapidly approaching – and, in many cases, already emerging – future of automation. In the coming decades, sophisticated robots, computer programs and other forms of automated technology will eliminate many jobs in many fields, and will radically transform the jobs that remain. Andrés Oppenheimer takes us on an insightful and eye-opening tour of some of the key industries to be affected and the major transformations that lie ahead.

Novacene (2019) presents a startling vision of a near-future Earth in which climate change is threatening our existence and artificial intelligence technology has acquired life. The emergence of this new life-form, which will vastly surpass humanity in its intelligence, will mark the beginning of a new age in the history of Earth – an epoch the author calls the Novacene. Extremely ambitious in scope, Novacene shines a spotlight on our particular moment in history and articulates an extraordinary theory about the purpose of the Cosmos and our place in it.

New Dark Age (2018) investigates the fundamental paradox of our digital age: as new technologies allow us to gather more and more data on our world, we understand less and less of it. Examining the history, politics and geography of the complex digital network we are enmeshed in, James Bridle sheds new light on the central issues of our time, from climate change to wealth inequality to post-factual politics, and explains how we can live with purpose in an era of uncertainty.

The Code (2019) examines the remarkable history of Silicon Valley, the lush Californian valley that became synonymous with tech startups and the creation of some of our society’s most disruptive inventions like the internet. With a curious, critical gaze, The Code uncovers the reality behind the myths, and shows that while entrepreneurship and technical genius were important to the valley’s rise, none of its most famous achievements would have been possible without military collaborations and enormous amounts of federal funding.

Broad Band (2018) tells the story of the women who played significant roles in the evolution of computers and the internet. It examines how these women became trailblazers in fields of work that were initially considered boring – but later proved to be of great importance.

2030 (2020) isn’t a crystal ball – but it might be the next best thing. Drawing on current sociological trends, demographic trajectories, and technological advancements, it paints a convincing picture of the global changes we can expect to see and experience in the coming decade.

Leadership by Algorithm (2020) examines the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence poses for twenty-first-century companies. From dealing with disgruntled employees to the gradual rise of soft skills, this book traces the various ways AI is set to change the structure of businesses.

Never Lost Again (2018) details the story of Google Maps and Google Earth – from their origins with Keyhole, a little-known Silicon Valley start-up, to their roll-out under Google in 2005. In addition to following the different characters who made the applications happen, Never Lost Again explores how the world has changed forever since the Google mapping revolution began.

A World Without Work (2020) is an exploration into how artificial intelligence will bring unemployment to so many industries – and why that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The author outlines the history of technological progress and explains how new capabilities will allow for unprecedented productivity. Yes, many jobs will become irrelevant, but, as a society, we can ensure that everybody will be better off in this new world.

This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends (2021) takes a deep dive into the ongoing global cyberweapons arms race. It explains how the unregulated market for destructive weapons began, how nations are buying and using these weapons, and why they represent a threat to our immediate future.

The Lonely Century (2021) explores the loneliness that characterizes the twenty-first century. Drawing on a decade of research, it reveals how neoliberal policies, new technologies, and mass migration to cities have contributed to us becoming so lonely – and what shifts need to occur for us to reconnect.

Genius Makers (2021) tells the story of the current race to develop artificial intelligence. This expansive report covers the sprawling history of AI, from its early development to today’s current controversies.

Career Fear (and how to beat it) (2020) sounds the alarm on how jobs are rapidly changing due to technological advancements. Taking a historical perspective on the evolution of work cultures, it brings to light the necessary mindset and uniquely human skills to thrive in a future defined by artificial intelligence. 

Hyper-Learning (2020) shows you how to adapt to a rapidly changing world in which technology threatens to make many skills redundant. By adopting a growth mindset, becoming less egotistical, and learning to collaborate, you’ll be ready to face the future. 

Rapid Growth, Done Right (2020) sets out a blueprint for leading an organization focused on growth. It explains how a symbiotic relationship among creative, technical, and business minds is a prerequisite for success. To achieve this success as a leader, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with each of these different areas, communicate fluently, and inspire innovation. 

Rogue Waves (2021) is a playbook for steering your company through stormy seas. Drawing from real-world business cases, it shares actionable tips for staying afloat amid drastic change.

The Phoenix Project (2013) explores how integrating the Development and IT Operations teams of a company’s IT department can improve communication, accelerate workflow, and increase value. It uses a fictional lens to unpack a common real-life scenario – demonstrating how the DevOps approach enables organizations to deftly adapt to sudden changes, updates, or market pressures.

Power Play (2021) tells the story of Tesla’s rise from overambitious start-up to one of the most valuable players in the global auto industry. It charts the company’s rapid rise, its operational and financial struggles, and the leadership of its volatile CEO, Elon Musk.

The New Breed (2021) offers new insights into the ongoing debate surrounding robots and artificial intelligence. Instead of looking at robots as a human replacement or threat, the author sees a more accurate comparison in the long relationship we’ve had with autonomous animals, which have helped us feel better and get work done.

AI 2041 (2021) is a provocative work of speculative fiction with analysis that explores the ways in which AI will shake up our world over the next twenty years. We’re just at the beginning of the technological revolution that AI will bring. By imagining what that future will look like, we can start preparing for the changes to come.

Working Backwards (2021) tells the story of how Amazon changed the way people live. It explores founder Jeff Bezos’ leadership philosophy, and reveals how this philosophy has informed Amazon’s most iconic products and services. 

What We Owe the Future (2022) makes the case for longtermism –⁠ the idea that people today have an obligation to create a good future for successive generations. Using philosophical reasoning, historical anecdotes, and social science research, it argues that the current moment could decide whether future people will live happy, flourishing lives or extraordinarily miserable ones. By carefully considering our actions with respect to issues like AI safety, biotechnology, and value lock-in, we increase the chances that future people will thrive –⁠ just as many of us do, now, thanks to people from the past.

Attention Span (2023) examines the connection between the digital age and our capacity for attention. As digital devices have become inextricable from our lives, our attention spans have shortened and our stress levels have risen. Drawing on scientific research, it debunks modern myths about attention and explains how we can reclaim it for better well-being. 

The Automation Advantage (2021) provides a roadmap for building automation and AI in a modern organization. From the different stages a business must go through on its automation journey to the best ways to reassure employees worried about job destruction, it shows leaders how to prosper in a future world.

The Metaverse Handbook (2022) provides insight into a new technology platform that offers huge commercial potential to digital professionals, creatives, and business leaders. It explains what the Metaverse is, how it works, and ways to integrate it into business strategies to capitalize on its offerings.

The Adaptation Advantage (2020) explores how to navigate the future of work – without worrying about the robots taking over. It provides actionable insights on how to tap into uniquely human attributes like adaptation to excel.

Smart Work (2022) is a handbook for leaders navigating the post-pandemic transition into a world of remote and hybrid work. These are challenging times for managers, argues author Jo Owen. What worked in the office won’t necessarily work in remote teams. But if there’s one thing Covid-19 showed us, it’s that we can adapt – fast. And change is a good thing, he insists. Why? Well, mastering these challenges isn’t just about future-proofing your job – it’ll also make you a better leader. 

The Heart of Transformation (2021) is a how-to guide for changing an organization. It focuses on six specific capabilities that leaders can adopt to meet the demands of the twenty-first century.

Impromptu (2023) is a speculative, in-depth conversation involving GPT-4 – a Large Language Model Artificial Intelligence. By discussing real-life stories and potential applications, it paints a future in which Artificial Intelligence is a tool that can push the limits of education, creativity, business, and more. Join the conversation, and prepare for an exciting future that will unlock the true potential of humankind.

Empowered (2020) is a written master class that guides ordinary people to create extraordinary products. Discover how to create profitable products that consumers love!

Quantum Supremacy (2023) makes understanding the facts and theory behind quantum computers accessible and easy to understand for everyone. It traces the history of the modern computer and posits a future in which quantum computing takes on the challenges of humanity that are unsolvable with even the most powerful of modern supercomputers.

The DevOps Handbook (2016) offers a roadmap on how to catapult your technology operations into a realm of world-class agility, reliability, and security. Dive deep into the heart of the DevOps philosophy, equipping you with insights to bridge gaps between development and operations, while fostering unmatched efficiency.

When the Heavens Went on Sale (2023) is a trip into the wild new Space Age sparked by Elon Musk and accelerated by like-minded space geniuses. Buckle up for a mind-blowing journey through space tech innovation and the future of humanity.

Understanding Artificial Intelligence (2021) aims to demystify the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for everyone, including those who don’t have an IT or mathematical background. It will give you a basic understanding of how AI works and why sometimes it makes mistakes or offers imperfect solutions.

NFTs Are a Scam / NFTs Are the Future (2023) is a bold, provocative take on what is either another scam-ridden, superficial digital trend or the future of art and entertainment – depending on who you ask. It considers NFTs from every angle to help you make up your own mind.

Tribe of Hackers (2019) is a comprehensive guide for aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals globally built around enlightening interviews with 70 security experts, including well-known figures such as Lesley Carhart, Ming Chow, Bruce Potter, Robert M. Lee, and Jayson E. Street. It provides valuable advice for everyone hoping to tool up in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Logistics and Supply Chain Innovation (2021) maps the current pain points and inefficiencies in global supply chains while charting the innovations and new technologies poised to transform the system. It provides an insider's perspective on the practical challenges facing warehouses, ports, and logistics networks, along with realistic ideas for how leaders can leverage emerging tools like Internet of Things sensors and AI to make supply chains sustainable, resilient, and responsive. 

Unworking (2022) delves into the transformation of workspaces and the changing nature of work in the twenty-first century, driven by technological advancements and evolving societal values. The book examines the shift from traditional office settings to more flexible, people-centric environments. Through diverse case studies and insights, it underscores the need for adapting to a new work landscape where collaboration, creativity, and well-being take center stage.

Python Crash Course (2015) offers a comprehensive journey into the world of Python programming. From building dynamic web applications and engaging games to visualizing data and exploring core programming concepts, it equips learners with the skills to master this versatile language.

Marketing 5.0 (2021) introduces the concept of a new era in marketing focused on leveraging technology to improve human lives. It provides strategies and examples demonstrating how the synthesis of advanced data-driven capabilities with human creativity, ethics, and empathy will allow companies to deliver tailored customer experiences amidst a complex, rapidly evolving marketplace.

Rewired (2023) presents a transformative roadmap crafted by the world's foremost management consultancy. It guides businesses on enhancing customer experiences, streamlining costs, and harnessing the immense potential of digital and AI. Dive in, and position your company for unparalleled long-term success.

Snow Crash (1992) is a cyberpunk sci-fi novel starring katana-wielding, pizza-delivering hacker Hiro Protagonist and his partner, spunky teen skateboarder Y.T. It features a virus called Snow Crash which pervades both the physical world and the virtual world, also known as the Metaverse. But it soon becomes apparent that Snow Crash is more than just a virus –⁠ as Hiro delves deeper, he discovers a conspiracy that has its roots in ancient Sumerian legends and poses a dire threat to humanity.

Accelerate (2018) explores the intersection of software development and organizational performance. Drawing on rigorous research, it reveals the practices and capabilities that allow high-performing technology-driven companies to excel and achieve a competitive edge in the fast-paced digital era.

You Will Own Nothing (2023) challenges you to confront a possible future where global elites dictate what you do and don’t have. Dive into an investigation of the forces striving to reshape our very notions of ownership, and discover strategies to ensure your autonomy and assets aren't just safe but thriving. Brace yourself: it's time to redefine your future.

Future Skills (2022) outlines 20 core skills that will be essential for success in an increasingly digital world. From digital literacy to social media awareness, these competencies can benefit anyone regardless of career focus or life goals.

Laws of UX (2020) is a handy guidebook for anyone interested in user experience, or UX – especially as it applies to web or app design. It lays out some of the fundamental rules that inform superior product design and shows how these rules are tied to human psychology. 

Human + Machine (2018) explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, presenting a vision where human and machine collaboration enhances innovation, efficiency, and productivity. It delves into the changing landscape of various industries due to AI integration, emphasizing the new skills and roles that will become essential.

Competing in the Age of AI (2020) unveils a future where AI is the cornerstone of business. It reveals how AI removes age-old business constraints, enabling a quantum leap in scale, scope, and learning. Step into a realm where strategy is reinvented and the economy is reimagined, offering both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges for leaders in the digital epoch.

The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived (2023) narrates the remarkable journey of Thomas Watson Jr., the visionary leader of IBM who shook up the worlds of technology and business in the mid-twentieth century. Delving into his decision to develop the IBM System 360, a pioneering mainframe computer, it shows us how Watson’s IBM laid the foundations for today’s digital age. But this book isn’t only a study of business strategy – it’s also a fascinating portrait of a complex man and his equally complex relationship with his domineering father.

Growing Up in Public (2023) explores the many stresses both parents and children can experience in today’s digital world. Although raising children in the face of today’s many technological social outlets might seem overwhelming, this guide provides clear, actionable insight for guiding adolescent online behavior as well as monitoring our own adult actions.  

Adaptive Resilience (2023) offers an insightful guide to crafting a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future through innovative organizational transformation. It emphasizes the importance of implementing game-changing strategies for big-picture business evolution, focusing on an approach that transforms from both the inside-out and the outside-in.

The Age of AI (2021) examines the evolution of artificial intelligence, how it’s increasingly integrated into all facets of life, and profound questions surrounding AI’s relationship to ethics, security, economics, and the human experience itself.

Tokens (2023) looks at the transformation of traditional monetary systems in the digital era, highlighting how various forms of digital tokens are increasingly replacing conventional currency. It explores the implications of this shift, particularly focusing on the role of digital platforms in creating new types of economic exchange, ownership, and governance models.

Wiring the Winning Organization (2023) delves into the art of transforming mundane workplaces into hubs of efficiency and innovation. It provides a practical three-part roadmap for leaders to rewire organizational dynamics and achieve exceptional success.

If It's Smart, It's Vulnerable (2022), explores the evolution of cybersecurity threats and how to adapt to an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. Tracing the internet's history from early idealism to today's risks like hacking and autonomous malware, it offers practical tips and philosophy to help society balance innovation with security. 

Swipe to Unlock (2017) offers a clear and concise understanding of the key concepts and technologies shaping today’s digital world. It breaks down complex tech topics into easily digestible explanations, covering everything from how the internet works to the business strategies of major tech companies. It’s essential material for anyone looking to navigate the intersection of technology, business, and everyday life, regardless of their technical background.

Raising Critical Thinkers (2022) is a guide for parents who want their children to make up their own minds amid today’s flood of information. Personal stories and science-backed exercises offer practical wisdom with which families can nurture thoughtful minds and empathetic hearts.

Number Go Up (2023) dives into the tumultuous and transformative world of cryptocurrencies. It traces the revolutionary rise of Bitcoin, the pivotal role and controversies of stablecoins like Tether, and the ambitious yet complex venture of El Salvador adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. Uncover the intricacies and challenges of a world redefined by digital currencies, and get a compelling look at the future of finance and its potential impact on global economies.

Filterworld (2024) dives into the digital age's landscape, where algorithms are the unseen puppeteers of culture, taste, and social interaction. Peel back the digital curtain to uncover how your preferences are being shaped in echo chambers of sameness and how to be authentic in a world curated by code.

Read Write Own (2024) shows how blockchain can revive the democratic promise of the early internet. It examines the internet across three eras: the early democratic but read-only age of the web, the “read-write” age, centralized under corporate control, and now the "read-write-own" movement, occasionally termed web3, whereby blockchain networks empower user communities, not just big tech firms. With lucid prose and tech industry expertise, it provides historical context and an inspirational guidebook for a more open, equitable digital future.

Attention Factory (2020) chronicles the meteoric rise of ByteDance, a company that has left an indelible mark on our perceptions of Chinese technology. A deft interweaving of storytelling, analysis, and captivating anecdotes, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the company’s growth and how it has shaped the American and Chinese internet landscapes.

SEO 2024 (2024) is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to improve their online visibility and drive more traffic to their site. It breaks down the complexities of search engine optimization (SEO) into easy-to-understand concepts and actionable strategies, providing the tools to outrank competitors and attract customers.

AI for Business Leaders (2023) unveils the transformative power of artificial intelligence in reshaping business strategies, operations, and competitive landscapes. It guides you through integrating AI into your business, offering strategies for overcoming implementation hurdles, enhancing customer experiences, and achieving sustainable growth. Engage with this comprehensive analysis to unlock AI’s potential in driving your business forward.

Marketing Artificial Intelligence (2022) unravels the transformative journey of marketing in the AI era, inviting you to explore the seismic shifts reshaping audience engagement and the essence of marketing strategies. Dive into the world where AI’s fusion with human creativity opens new avenues for innovation, personalization, and efficiency, fundamentally altering how we connect with consumers. This guide provides insights to navigate the evolving digital landscape, making AI an indispensable ally in crafting the future of marketing.

The Technology Trap (2019) explores the impact of technological progress on economic and political dynamics throughout history. It draws rich parallels between the Industrial Revolution and the current age of automation, highlighting the potential for both long-term progress and short-term disruption.

Atlas of AI (2021) reveals how AI is a technology of extraction, from minerals to labor to data. It presents AI as a global network which is driving a shift toward undemocratic governance and political centralization.

Understanding Media (1964) is a prescient analysis of the profound impact media would have on society, envisioned decades before the digital age actually unfolded. Introducing groundbreaking concepts like the “global village” and “the medium is the message,” it offers a fascinating lens through which to view our interconnected modern existence. 

The Everything War (2024) is an investigative exposé revealing Amazon’s relentless strategies to dominate the world’s industries. It details how Amazon uses its vast resources and data to outcompete rivals, often resorting to exploitative practices and anticompetitive behavior. What does it really take to own the world and remake corporate powers?

Quantum Marketing (2021) explains the revolutionary marketing strategies necessary for businesses to remain relevant in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. From managing the explosion of data to forging strategic partnerships, it offers a thought-provoking guide to navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by this new era of business.

Proximity (2024) explores how digital technologies are revolutionizing production and service delivery, enabling on-demand fulfillment with minimal environmental impact. It examines the implications of this trend across industries and how it will transform business strategies, supply chains, and sustainability efforts.

The Chaos Machine (2022) explores the dark side of social media. The design of apps like Facebook and Twitter, combined with the nature of human psychology, often make social media bring out the worst in us.

The Mind's Mirror (2024) explores the possibilities and risks of artificial intelligence. Aiming to provide readers with an understanding of AI's workings, it explores how AI can enhance human capabilities across various fields, while also addressing the societal challenges it presents. 

The Curious Advantage (2020) explores the role of curiosity in the digital age, examining its impact from historical, neuroscientific, and business-focused perspectives. It offers practical tools and insights for individuals and organizations to harness curiosity as a strategic advantage, promoting innovation and adaptability in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Scary Smart (2021) explores the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the potential consequences if it’s not guided by human values. It emphasizes the responsibility to shape AI in a way that ensures it serves humanity’s best interests. Ethical considerations are urgently needed as AI continues to evolve and potentially surpass human intelligence.

Making Sense of Chaos (2024) offers a fresh take on our complex economic world through the lens of complexity economics. It explores new computational tools and models that address issues like inflation, inequality, and financial crises – and shows how we can make better predictions and craft smarter policies in an increasingly interconnected and turbulent global economy.

Seculosity (2019)  takes aim at our futile quest for perfection in every aspect of our lives. It suggests that performance-obsessed striving makes us anxious, cruel, and miserable. So why do we continue chasing this mirage? It makes a compelling argument that perfectionism fills the hole left by the decline of capital-R religion: our human need for “enoughness.”