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Digital transformation of incumbent firms from the perspective of portfolios of innovation

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  • Zhang, Zhengyi
  • Jin, Jun
  • Li, Shijing
  • Zhang, Yuanmin

Abstract

Digital technology has created new elements of innovation types and given incumbent firms new portfolios of innovation. The portfolio of innovation used during a digital transformation allows it to be successfully implemented and gives a competitive advantage to incumbent firms. We present two propositions for the portfolio of innovation and its shift during the process of digital transformation. Based on an emergent innovation matrix, we conducted a multi-case study on three Chinese firms from different industries, in order to identify the novel innovation types that appear when these firms undergo digital transformation. The research suggests that incumbent firms innovate in various ways simultaneously to implement a digital transformation when faced with market and technology change, and the portfolio of innovation shifts during the digital transformation process.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Zhengyi & Jin, Jun & Li, Shijing & Zhang, Yuanmin, 2023. "Digital transformation of incumbent firms from the perspective of portfolios of innovation," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:72:y:2023:i:c:s0160791x22002901
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102149
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    8. Anqi Wang & Lianmei Zhu & Huanan Sun & Shali Wang & Haijing Ma, 2023. "Fiscal Decentralization, Enterprise Digital Transformation and Enterprise Green Innovation—The Case of 11 Years A-Share Listed Companies in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
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