EMBRACING DIGITAL INNOVATION IN INCUMBENT FIRMS: HOW VOLVO CARS MANAGED COMPETING CONCERNS

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Svahn, Fredrik; Mathiassen, Lars; Lindgren, Rikard
• 署名单位: Royal Institute of Technology; University of Gothenburg; University System of Georgia; Georgia State University; University of Boras
• 刊物名称: MIS QUARTERLY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0276-7783
• DOI: 10.25300/MISQ/2017/41.1.12
• 发表日期: 2017
• 页码: 239-253
• 关键词: information-technology; boundary resources; systems; DESIGN; capabilities; architecture; KNOWLEDGE; networks; LESSONS; FUTURE

摘要

Past research provides instructive yet incomplete answers as to how incumbent firms can address competing concerns as they embrace digital innovation. In particular, it offers only partial explanations of why different concerns emerge, how they manifest, and how firms can manage them. In response, we present a longitudinal case study of Volvo Cars' connected car initiative. Combining extant literature with insights from the case, we argue that incumbent firms face four competing concerns-capability (existing versus requisite), focus (product versus process), collaboration (internal versus external), and governance (control versus flexibility)-and that these concerns are systemically interrelated. Firms must therefore manage these concerns cohesively by continuously balancing new opportunities and established practices.