Why Digital Innovation Matters in the Age of AI and Automation

In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, digital innovation is as important as ever. Artificial intelligence and automation have redefined workplace technology and systems, but digital innovation leads to broader organizational growth and advancement. AI doesn’t exist without digital innovation. 

AI’s role is to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, automating repetitive tasks and improving workflows to allow for more strategic and effective creative work. As a result, industries like healthcare, finance and education are adapting to this shift, requiring workers to upskill and remain competitive in this increasingly digital environment. 

Digital innovation matters because it creates opportunities for individuals to thrive.

What is digital innovation?

Digital innovation uses technology to streamline processes, enhance daily operations, develop new products and services or reevaluate the use of existing technologies in the workplace. Digital innovation is collaborative and relies on agile thinking to reimagine the possibilities of tools and technologies, creating fresh value. 

Over time, digital innovation leads to digital transformation — the integration of these technologies across an entire organization.

Simplified digital shopping experiences, customer service chatbots and subscription-based services are all examples of digital innovation in practice.

How AI and automation impact digital innovation

Artificial intelligence is a direct result of digital innovation leading to digital transformation. In theory, AI can automate repetitive tasks and improve workflow to create more efficiencies and free up time for digital innovation. 

Rather than replacing workers, AI should support and enhance the workforce. However, this shift requires professionals to continuously learn new skills to remain competitive in fields such as healthcare, finance and manufacturing.

The benefits of digital innovation in an AI-driven world

Because artificial intelligence is more collaborative than creative, digital innovation is still very important for moving technology forward by empowering businesses to operate more effectively, make data-driven decisions and enhance user experiences to stay competitive. 

Automation may help improve productivity by reducing repetitive tasks like data entry or interpreting spreadsheets that can slow down a workday. This gives digital innovators more opportunities to focus on creative strategy and implementation without burnout.

AI is a powerful tool — but it is not infallible. Human oversight remains critical to ensure accuracy, context and ethical decision-making.

In short, AI can help you innovate by accessing a large database of information, but it can’t create new ideas or concepts. 

How Boise State prepares you for careers in digital innovation

Digital innovation drives growth and competitiveness in a world that’s rapidly transitioning toward AI and automation. It also helps brands and organizations become more adaptable to change while maintaining their reputations and a customer-first mindset. An education in digital innovation helps you build the foundational knowledge to enter the workforce and bring a more strategic and thoughtful approach to the modern digital workplace. You’ll do this by building systems resilience, creating value and helping organizations thrive.

Boise State’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Innovation and Design provides a customized approach through industry-relevant certificates and focus areas that allow you to build your degree plan with subjects that fit your interests or intended field.

This flexibility really spoke to digital innovation and design student Kaitlin Johnson when she was deciding on a bachelor’s program.

“When I saw that the digital innovation and design program is built around certificates, I thought that would be perfect for me. It allows me to pursue a lot of different interests while still getting a four-year degree. I chose AI, cybersecurity and UX design. I have enjoyed that. These are all classes I am genuinely interested in, not just degree requirements. That’s really cool,” she said.

With six start dates per year, you can attend fully online, on campus or a hybrid of both options. You’ll also get opportunities to engage with experienced faculty and peers by researching and building projects that mirror real-world applications.

“I always feel like the projects do really well at emulating how it’s actually going to be in the industry. I feel really prepared,” Sofia Sanchez-Chapman, a program graduate, said.

Learn more about the digital innovation and design program

Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Innovation and Design from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step. 

Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.

Frequently asked questions about digital innovation