An activity theory analysis of digital innovation orchestration in Industry 4.0
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 5 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the orchestration of digital innovation in Industry 4.0 organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applies the activity theory to explorative multiple case studies. Observations of innovation activities in five business cases take place at two large international organisations.
Findings
The results underline five logics of action that drive digital innovation: (1) digital transformation, (2) technology translation, (3) catalyst agents, (4) digital thread and (5) empowerment. Further, the case study organisations highlight the importance of developing a sustainable culture capable of continuously adopting new technologies, processes and infrastructure that will allow the management of digital innovations.
Originality/value
The study empirically shows the motivations and challenges in orchestrating digital innovation in Industry 4.0 organisations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely thank the anonymous reviewers and the editor for their valuable feedback and suggestions.
This paper is sponsored by UKRI, 10085345 Driving Innovation Responsibly: Commercialising CAV Services in the Scottish Highlands and Islands and also European Space Agency, RD_CMHC_20200604, Responsible Connected Autonomous Vehicle.
Citation
Carbajal Piña, C.A., Acur, N. and Cetindamar, D. (2024), "An activity theory analysis of digital innovation orchestration in Industry 4.0", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-09-2023-0419
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited