Digital Literacy: A Conceptual Review of Concepts, Skills and Models from the Perspective of Digital Transformation and Technology and Innovation Management

As information and communication technologies reshape every field from education to business, digital literacy is increasingly regarded as one of the basic conditions for individuals and organizations to adapt to digital transformation. This book chapter is a conceptual review that examines digital literacy in an integrated way through its definitions, its relationship with education, its developmental levels, its component skills and its theoretical models. The chapter first evaluates the terminological development of the concept since its first use and the research focusing on teachers; it then discusses the three-stage approach consisting of digital competence, digital usage and digital transformation, together with the components of information, media and technology literacy. The common and diverging aspects of different models are compared, and the boundaries with sub-disciplines such as computer, library, internet, information, media, electronic information and digital information literacy are examined. The review shows that definitions have expanded from technical skills toward cognitive and socio-ethical dimensions, while research has largely concentrated on determining levels. It is therefore argued that the highest level of digital literacy, which is linked to creativity and innovation, deserves more attention from a technology and innovation management perspective. The chapter closes with recommendations for practice and future research.