Recent studies indicate that the majority (60-80%) of advanced analytics/AI projects fail, often citing “management resistance and internal politics”. However, having reviewed/supervised hundreds of such projects around the world, our experience suggests that many projects are ill-conceived and fall victim to poor analyses and pre-launch planning.

The case discusses different steps which Mastercard has followed in its digital transformation journey. They involve opportunity framing, creating innovation pathways, finding digital transformation opportunities, and innovation with partners within adaptive ecosystems.