Digital transformation in SMEs: A taxonomy of externally supported digital innovation projects

IF 20.1 1区管理学 Q1 INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE International Journal of Information Management Pub Date : 2023-10-12 DOI:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102713

Andreas Hermann , Torsten Gollhardt , Ann-Kristin Cordes , Lasse von Lojewski , Max Patrick Hartmann , Jörg Becker

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Abstract

Digital transformation is a complex yet indispensable endeavor for SMEs. Hence, SMEs initiate and implement digital innovation projects to drive their digital transformation but face difficulties in the initiation phase, which could lead them to embark on projects with little value. As a remedy, SMEs may collaborate with external digital innovation units to support their project initiations. However, underlying project characteristics are often poorly understood, so much so that initiations often happen ad hoc. The research goal of this article is to develop a taxonomy that supports the initiation of digital innovation projects in SMEs in collaboration with external digital innovation units. The taxonomy development combines both conceptual and empirical perspectives. The former is informed by a structured literature review. The latter emerges from analyzing 210 project reports of German SMEs. The resulting taxonomy comprises 10 dimensions and 30 characteristics. Based on the taxonomy and the analyzed projects, 5 project types are derived by using cluster analysis methods. External digital innovation units can use the taxonomy and the 5 project types to classify and better understand digital innovation projects in SMEs. The article contributes to the body of knowledge and facilitates future research on digital innovation projects in SMEs.

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中小企业的数字化转型:外部支持的数字化创新项目分类

对中小企业来说，数字化转型是一项复杂而又不可或缺的工作。因此，中小企业发起和实施数字创新项目以推动其数字化转型，但在启动阶段面临困难，这可能导致他们着手的项目价值不大。作为补救措施，中小企业可以与外部数字创新单位合作，以支持其项目启动。然而，潜在的项目特征通常理解得很差，以至于启动经常是临时发生的。本文的研究目标是开发一种分类法，支持中小企业与外部数字创新单位合作启动数字创新项目。分类法的发展结合了概念和经验的观点。前者是通过结构化的文献综述。后者是通过分析德国中小企业的210份项目报告得出的结论。生成的分类法包括10个维度和30个特征。在分类法和分析项目的基础上，采用聚类分析方法导出了5种项目类型。外部数字创新单位可以使用该分类法和五种项目类型对中小企业的数字创新项目进行分类和更好地了解。本文为中小企业数字化创新项目的未来研究提供了知识体系。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Information Management INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE-

CiteScore

53.10

自引率

6.20%

发文量

111

审稿时长

24 days

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Information Management (IJIM) is a distinguished, international, and peer-reviewed journal dedicated to providing its readers with top-notch analysis and discussions within the evolving field of information management. Key features of the journal include: Comprehensive Coverage: IJIM keeps readers informed with major papers, reports, and reviews. Topical Relevance: The journal remains current and relevant through Viewpoint articles and regular features like Research Notes, Case Studies, and a Reviews section, ensuring readers are updated on contemporary issues. Focus on Quality: IJIM prioritizes high-quality papers that address contemporary issues in information management.