Abstract

Digital transformation exposes organisations to ethical and governance challenges that increase the need for systematic approaches to Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR). While existing frameworks articulate principles and maturity aspirations, organisations lack a structured instrument to assess pre-adoption readiness to implement responsible digital practices. This paper develops an initial prototype of the CDR Readiness Index (CDR-RI), a diagnostic artefact that operationalises CDR readiness as an organisational capability. Building on a targeted literature review spanning CDR-adjacent readiness research and composite-indicator/index design guidance, the study specifies 14 readiness characteristics and translates them into a first set of measurable items and a transparent scoring workflow. Positioned within Design Science Research, the prototype represents the design-and-development phase of a multi-stage programme; subsequent cycles will refine and evaluate the index through expert review, pilot application, and robustness assessment. The paper contributes an initial, computable and traceable readiness index to support organisational prioritisation before scaling responsible digital initiatives. For practice, the CDR-RI offers a structured self-assessment to identify capability gaps, prioritise governance and capability-building measures, and prepare responsible digital initiatives before organisation-wide rollout.

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