Serena Galvani, Elisa Carloni, Roberta Bocconcelli and Alessandro Pagano
This study explores if and how manufacturing firms can achieve an effective interaction between digitalization and sustainability (in economic, social and environmental terms)…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores if and how manufacturing firms can achieve an effective interaction between digitalization and sustainability (in economic, social and environmental terms). The main aim of the study is to understand the extent and nature of the interaction between digitalization and sustainability processes and how business firms manage this interaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative, in-depth, single case study approach is adopted, drawing upon the Actors-Resources-Activities (ARA) framework proposed by IMP studies. The case of Beta – a manufacturer in the mechatronic sector – is longitudinally analyzed via data collected from sustainability reports and interviews.
Findings
Beyond unveiling the main challenges and intervening factors to accomplish digital-sustainable interaction, the study highlights the need for firms to strategically plan and integrate digital and sustainable initiatives to foster such symbiotic interaction, emphasizing the role of activities, actors and resources in achieving a cohesive digital-sustainable journey.
Originality/value
The originality of the research relies upon the longitudinal perspective on the interaction between digitalization and sustainability and the adoption of an IMP-based approach referring to the ARA framework, which finally lead to novel contributions in both academic and managerial terms.
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Serena Galvani and Roberta Bocconcelli
This paper aims to analyze the digital servitization (DS) process with the paradox theory lens. The purpose is to catch how intra- and inter-organizational tensions generate…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the digital servitization (DS) process with the paradox theory lens. The purpose is to catch how intra- and inter-organizational tensions generate complexity along a DS journey to find “where” and “when” industrial companies can intervene to face them.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is a qualitative, in-depth single case study, which longitudinally explores the DS strategy of a manufacturer along with three phases of development: design, implementation and assessment.
Findings
The analysis reveals six intra- and inter-organizational tensions in DS and provides insights on tensions’ origin and how to face them. A theoretical framework on DS complexity and an empirical framework on tensions’ origin is produced.
Originality/value
The research combines service and organizational paradox literature. Together with a longitudinal methodology, it results in a spatial and temporal analysis of DS, from which theoretical and managerial implications are drawn.
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Bieke Struyf, Serena Galvani, Paul Matthyssens and Roberta Bocconcelli
The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical lens on digital servitization (DS) for future research purposes. By developing a multilevel framework that helps structure…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical lens on digital servitization (DS) for future research purposes. By developing a multilevel framework that helps structure and untangle its complexity, the authors aim to increase understanding into the persistent challenge of DS.
Design/methodology/approach
Building on a problematization approach, critical incident technique was applied to a comparative, longitudinal, multiple-case study in which DS journeys from one Italian and one Belgian manufacturing firm were analyzed.
Findings
Analysis revealed that different levels and elements of the multilevel framework were simultaneously involved in the identified critical incidents. This huge interconnectedness severely challenged the DS journeys. Managerial (un)responsiveness played a central role in the organizational outcome for both firms.
Originality/value
The authors answer the call for a more holistic approach toward DS. A multilevel framework is provided to be employed by future researchers and practitioners alike. A mid-range theory for DS and propositions for future research are developed.
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Alessandro Pagano, Elisa Carloni, Serena Galvani and Roberta Bocconcelli
This paper aims to provide a contribution on the diffusion of Industry 4 (I4.0)-related knowledge in industrial districts (IDs). The main goal is to examine the dissemination of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a contribution on the diffusion of Industry 4 (I4.0)-related knowledge in industrial districts (IDs). The main goal is to examine the dissemination of I4.0 knowledge, exploring the main mechanisms for its spreading and highlighting the main factors shaping such processes. Focus is on dissemination processes in IDs active in traditional industries, which could represent the “periphery” of I4.0 application context.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is qualitative. Notably, this paper presents a case study of the Pesaro ID specialized in furniture/woodworking machinery sector. A total of 18 in-depth one-to-one interviews have been conducted with relevant informants from a variety of organizations within the cluster: companies, institutions and universities.
Findings
The complexity of I4.0 requires a combination of traditional mechanisms with innovative ones within IDs characterized by the emergence of new players, activities and resources. These changes led to three main evolving patterns: the horizon of I4.0 upgrading shows blurred boundaries in terms of sectors and geographic location, the I4.0 diffusion appears fragmented in terms of initiatives and projects by both firms and institutions and the dissemination of I4.0 knowledge pushes ID firms and institutions to pursue deliberate initiatives leading to innovative forms of “collective” cooperation.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to both theory and practice. From the theoretical point of view, this paper contributes to the literature on innovation in IDs and clusters on two interrelated grounds. First, it provides further research on I4.0 and IDs and clusters. Second, it contributes to the stream of research on knowledge creation and diffusion in IDs and clusters, providing empirically based insights over emerging local learning processes in IDs. Moreover, relevant managerial and policy implications stem from the analysis.