This element regards perception the team's own digital maturity - both at an individual and team level. This will help to identify internal capabilities and any skill gaps that need plugging, either by internal improvement or through the outsourcing to external partners.
The team's current digital maturity has been measured on the Digital Transformation Maturity Index (Dymond, n.d.)
Venture Matrix can be seen as a 'Digital Explorer'. A need to develop digitally enhanced, customer-driven business strategy has been identified, leading to some digital services being created, for example the team's Pre-arrival Transition Model (Venture Matrix, 2020). However, these are inconsistent in their approach and implemented on a project by project basis.
How can Venture Matrix develop further throughout the maturity index? One method, although time consuming, is to develop the skill set and digital understanding of internal staff. Below are digital skill sets that are essential for leaders and digital specialists to have:
The Venture Matrix staff team can take advantage of internal University learning platforms, such as LinkedIn Learning (LinkedIn, 2016), Continuing Professional Development (SHU(a), 2020) courses and the provision of higher education teaching and learning for staff, via the Headstart scheme. (SHU(b), 2020)
Another method would be to bring in skills and capabilities from outside the team. With limited resources, this should be drawn from internal University talent pools, bringing in staff from other departments, who can bring specialist expertise to develop Venture Matrix processes and digital capabilities. Taking into account the new team structure for Venture Matrix, highlighted in the People and Culture section, we can see how thematic experts can join the team, working part time in their original role at the University, and part time with the Venture Matrix team, sharing knowledge and expertise.
This can further be enhanced through the understanding of Cross Functional Collaboration and how Venture Matrix can draw on resources in its ecosystem. Click on the link below to find out more.
Dymond (n.d.), Digital Maturity Matrix and Skills for Digital Leaders and Specialists, [email], available on request
LinkedIn (2016) Charlene Li on Digital Leadership, Accessed at https://www.linkedin.com/learning/charlene-li-on-digital-leadership?u=69719634 Digital Leadership - LinkedIn Learning on 16th September 2020
SHU(a) (2020), Leadership development, Accessed at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/options/cpd/leadership-development on 16th September 2020
SHU(b) (2020), Development opportunities, Accessed at https://www.shu.ac.uk/about-us/jobs/why-join-us/development-opportunities on 16th September 2020
Venture Matrix (2020), Pre-arrival Transition Model Toolkit, accessed at https://sites.google.com/view/transitionmodel on 16th September 2020