When digitalization hit the court: Strategizing to turn turbulence into opportunities

Abstract

Abstract During Covid-19, the pace of digitalization in industry and society increased. This article zooms in on the court system in Sweden and its response to this rapidly changing context. During the pandemic, the courts had encountered new expectations, and digital technologies had been implemented at speed. Suddenly online trials and digital delivery of court services became a reality. When the pandemic eased questions arose whether to return to business-as-usual or to continue on the new digital path. This article builds on a series of strategic workshops performed at the Swedish courts 2020–23 (with a total of 200 professionals attending). We found that digitalization had affected core work processes as well as the mindset and culture for further change. However, strategic alignment of different organizational components to fit the new reality is still needed in order for the courts to keep, and develop, the largest gains from digitalization: flexibility, efficiency, and accessibility.