Lara Agostini, Anna Nosella, Riikka Sarala and Corinne Nkeng
Strategic flexibility (SF) has become increasingly important for firms because of the fast changes in the external environment. In line with the practical importance of SF, an…
Abstract
Purpose
Strategic flexibility (SF) has become increasingly important for firms because of the fast changes in the external environment. In line with the practical importance of SF, an emerging research field has developed around it that has attempted to understand the nature of SF and the key relationships. The aim of this study is to unveil the semantic structure of the recent literature on SF and to suggest new promising areas for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct a systematic literature review with a bibliographic analysis technique, which allows authors to identify the main recent streams in the literature, as well as offer reflections and suggestions for future research.
Findings
The authors uncover three main emerging areas in the research on SF, namely SF as a dynamic capability, the role of knowledge management for SF and the relationship between a firm SF and the external environment. The authors put forward three avenues for future research on SF: Avenue 1. SF, business model innovation (BMI) and other dynamic capabilities (DC), Avenue 2. Digital technologies and SF/organizational agility and Avenue 3. SF and sustainability. Articles included in the special issue entitled “A strategic perspective on flexibility, agility and adaptability in the digital era” contribute to Avenue 2, thus paving the way for filling some of the identified gaps regarding the relationship between SF and digitalization.
Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first literature review on SF that uses a bibliometric approach to draw conclusions on the findings in the literature. The review contributes to the theoretical understanding of SF by illustrating and explicating core topics that have persisted over time, as well as by presenting three main avenues for further developing authors’ knowledge around SF.
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Saada Karray, Majdi Argoubi and Meryem Masmoudi
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of Entrepreneurship and Resource-Based View (RBV) by investigating the research landscape of Innovation Determinants (ID)…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of Entrepreneurship and Resource-Based View (RBV) by investigating the research landscape of Innovation Determinants (ID). Through an extensive bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping, we explore intellectual structures, emerging trends, research hotspots, and future prospects in the field from 1990 to December 2022. Additionally, we focus on identifying top research organizations, authors, collaboration patterns, and commonly used keywords to advance knowledge and awareness in this area.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive retrieval strategy was employed to gather 2359 articles on ID from Web of Science, covering the period from 1990 to 2022. Utilizing CiteSpace as a visualization tool, we visually represent authors, institutions, and keywords. By examining knowledge maps using various indicators, we showcase the intellectual foundation and current research frontiers within the domain of ID.
Findings
Our findings reveal significant progress in academic research on ID over the past three decades, with a substantial number of 2359 published articles in the field. This signifies considerable advancement in exploring ID. The analysis of the co-authorship network presents a network of 406 authors represented as nodes and 112 collaborative interactions as links. The network's density indicates that only a minute 0.14% of the potential connections in the ID network have been established, highlighting the need for more cohesive and extensive global collaborations in this field.
Originality/value
This paper's originality lies in its temporal and dynamic examination of the past thirty years, utilizing CiteSpace for co-citation and co-occurrence network analysis. Additionally, the scientometric analysis reveals key co-occurring keywords, providing insights into the conceptual characteristics within the research field.
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Anna Marrucci, Riccardo Rialti and Marco Balzano
The purpose of this article is to develop a configurational approach based on the TOE framework (technology, organization and environment) to understand the degree of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to develop a configurational approach based on the TOE framework (technology, organization and environment) to understand the degree of implementation of I4.0 technologies in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, the study considers technological infrastructure and competence, I4.0 integration capabilities, organizational agility and strategic flexibility, environmental dynamism and industry-specific forces as simultaneous pre-conditions for achieving an effective implementation of I4.0 technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodology as it allows for asymmetric and configurational-focused testing of proposition and sound theoretical development. In total, 305 responses were collected through a survey administered to SME managers in Europe and the United Kingdom (UK).
Findings
The study examines the influence of technology, organizational and environmental aspects on I4.0 technologies implementation in SMEs. High I4.0 degree of implementation is structured around 5 configurations, while other 4 configurations are related to low levels of I4.0 implementation.
Originality/value
This study proposes a configurational approach for SMEs to become I4.0 ready and how they may successfully implement I4.0 technologies. Such findings represent an original and novel contribution to existing research, offering a broad view on the I4.0 implementation by manufacturing SMEs.
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Prafull Malakar, Leeladharan Manavalan, Palak Jain and Sarin M.S.
The information science community, including library science, has been a focus of significant discussions and research due to recent progress in artificial intelligence (AI)…
Abstract
Purpose
The information science community, including library science, has been a focus of significant discussions and research due to recent progress in artificial intelligence (AI), especially in large language models. This study identifies possible areas for application of AI in library routines and how it can enhance library operations, such as circulation, acquisitions, reference services, serials, digital resources and technical services.
Design/methodology/approach
This research methodically examines how libraries adjust to swift technological changes, with an emphasis on AI, generative language models like GPT, and the integration of Chatbots.
Findings
This study outlines strategies to increase library engagement amidst a technologically evolving landscape, highlighting the significance of aligning such innovations with the requirements of users and library missions. The findings offer crucial considerations for libraries in India contemplating AI integration, especially in relation to technological infrastructure, librarian expertise in AI and the establishment of leadership roles to oversee AI initiatives.
Social implications
This research provides a foundation for library boards and associations to shape informed policies supporting AI in academic libraries. As such, it plays a vital role in advancing the adoption of AI within the global library community.
Originality/value
The library and information science (LIS) field is increasingly drawing interest from researchers and experts regarding the use of AI. This study covers the incorporation of AI in different library sections and positively impacts the LIS professionals in these advanced endeavours.