Roberto Baldoni, Roberto Beraldi, Leonardo Querzoni, Gianpaolo Cugola and Matteo Migliavacca
The decoupling and asynchrony properties of the content‐based publish‐subscribe paradigm makes it very appealing for dynamic wireless networks, like those that often occur in…
Abstract
The decoupling and asynchrony properties of the content‐based publish‐subscribe paradigm makes it very appealing for dynamic wireless networks, like those that often occur in pervasive computing scenarios. Unfortunately, most of the currently available content‐based publish‐subscribe middleware do not fit the requirements of such extreme scenarios, in which the network is subject to very frequent topological reconfigurations due to mobility of nodes. In this paper we propose a protocol for content‐based message dissemination tailored to Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) showing frequent topological changes. Message routing occurs without the support of any network‐wide dispatching infrastructure thus eliminating the need of maintaining such infrastructure on top of a physical network continuously changing its topology. The paper reports an extensive simulation study that confirms the suitability of the proposed approach along with a stochastic analysis of the central mechanism adopted by the protocol.
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Marco Bettiol, Mauro Capestro, Eleonora Di Maria and Roberto Grandinetti
This paper aims to investigate the impact of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies on knowledge creation for innovation purposes by assessing the relationships among the variety of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies on knowledge creation for innovation purposes by assessing the relationships among the variety of I4.0 technologies adopted (breadth I4.0), the penetration of these technologies within the firm’s value chain activities (depth I4.0) and the mediating role of both internal (inter-functional (IF)) and external [with knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS)] collaborations in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a quantitative research design. By administering a survey to entrepreneurs, chief operation officers or managers in charge of the operational and technological processes of Italian manufacturing firms, the authors collected 137 useful questionnaires. To test this study's theoretical framework and hypotheses, the authors ran regression and mediation analyses.
Findings
First, the results highlight the positive link between breadth I4.0 and depth I4.0. Moreover, the results show the key role played by increased collaboration among the firm’s business functions and by relationships with KIBS in creating knowledge to innovate processes and products when I4.0 technologies are adopted.
Research limitations/implications
The variety of I4.0 technologies adopted enables a firm to use such technologies in various value chain activities. However, the penetration of I4.0 into the firm’s value chain activities (depth I4.0) does not per se directly imply the production of new knowledge, for which a firm needs internal collaboration among different business functions, in particular with the production area, or collaboration with external partners that favor I4.0 implementation, such as KIBS.
Practical implications
To achieve innovation goals by creating new knowledge, especially in the manufacturing industries, firms should encourage internal and external collaboration when I4.0 technologies are adopted. Moreover, policy makers should not only consider fiscal incentives for the adoption of such technologies, but also encourage the building of networks between adopting firms and external actors.
Originality/value
The study is one of the first attempt that provides empirical evidence of how I4.0 enables the creation of knowledge to innovate processes and products, highlighting the relevance of collaboration both within the company and with external partners.