Comparative study on Datafication and Digitization

Abstract

In the era of digital transformation, the concepts of digitization and datafication are frequently raised yet often conflated, limiting theoretical clarity and practical application. While digitization refers to the conversion of analog information into digital formats, datafication extends beyond this process by translating human actions, interactions, and phenomena into quantifiable data. This paper undertakes a comparative study of these two concepts, highlighting their distinctions, interconnections, and implications across sectors such as education, healthcare, and commerce. Drawing on an interdisciplinary literature review, the study identifies critical gaps, including the lack of conceptual differentiation, insufficient exploration of sectoral effects, and limited attention to social and ethical dimensions. By addressing these gaps, the paper contributes a clearer conceptual framework and offers insights into the socio-economic opportunities and challenges arising from the growing reliance on digitization and datafication.