Dynamics of related and unrelated digital diversification in established firms: Strategies, programs, process, and outcomes
2024 (English)In: Technological forecasting & social change, ISSN 0040-1625, E-ISSN 1873-5509, Vol. 202, article id 123300Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Research on digital transformation focuses on business models and technological innovation but it often lacks a detailed exploration of how firms develop, execute, and evaluate related and unrelated digital diversification strategies. To address this gap, this study employs a multiple case study approach to uncover the varied processes and outcomes of implementing digital diversification programs in established firms. The findings reveal that established firms frequently refine and adjust their digital diversification strategies to achieve desired results. Specifically, related digital diversification strategies benefit from well-defined market segments, clear technological focus, and robust senior management support. In contrast, unrelated digital diversification strategies thrive through extensive exploration and experimentation with novel digital technologies and markets, reduced senior managerial intervention and increased middle- and lower-level management involvement. Semi-related digital diversification strategies, which incorporate elements of both related and unrelated approaches, often encounter tensions owing to conflicting traditional and new program execution methods, posing significant realization challenges. Key factors identified as instrumental in the success of digital diversification strategies include technology, markets, management & organization, and program execution. The study concludes by discussing the managerial and academic implications and offers recommendations for future research in this domain.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier BV , 2024. Vol. 202, article id 123300
Keywords [en]
Digital diversification, Digitalization programs, Established manufacturing firms, Management involvement, Related vs unrelated, Strategy implementation
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-344174DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123300ISI: 001192335500001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85185836826OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-344174DiVA, id: diva2:1842894
Note
QC 20240307
2024-03-062024-03-062025-12-05Bibliographically approved