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The D-BEST Reference Model: A Flexible and Sustainable Support for the Digital Transformation of Small and Medium Enterprises

Author

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  • Claudio Sassanelli

    (Politecnico di Bari)

  • Sergio Terzi

    (Politecnico di Milano)

Abstract

Nowadays, to remain competitive, manufacturing companies must address the Industry 4.0 paradigm, particularly the cyber-physical system (CPS) revolution, following sustainable challenges. Digital innovation hubs (DIHs), as ecosystems that provide technical knowhow, experimental skills, and specialist knowledge, are progressively gaining a strategic role in supporting such a transition, especially in European small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Several projects have been funded by the European Commission to support the growth and action of DIHs. However, which among the four main functionalities (networking, skills and training, test before investing, and access to funding) each DIH is capable of addressing in its daily support action to companies is still unclear. Thus, it is important to configure the service portfolios of DIHs (i.e. the set of services that each DIH can provide based on its characterising assets, knowledge, and capabilities). In this paper, the data-driven business–ecosystem–skills–technology (D-BEST) reference model is proposed and then tested through a survey. The model triggers the identification and materialisation of service-based collaboration processes among DIHs based on their service portfolio analysis and supports the modelling of Collaborative Networks 4.0, in which DIHs are a strategic player because of their ‘by-design’ innovation characteristics. Finally, through the extended adoption of the models developed by different emerging DIH networks, flexibility and interoperability can be reached, fostering the adoption of a unique digital platform to showcase and offer assets, triggering the creation of multiple inter- and intra-communications and collaborations among stakeholders belonging to the DIH ecosystems, and favouring the exchange and development of joint services.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudio Sassanelli & Sergio Terzi, 2022. "The D-BEST Reference Model: A Flexible and Sustainable Support for the Digital Transformation of Small and Medium Enterprises," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 23(3), pages 345-370, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:gjofsm:v:23:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s40171-022-00307-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s40171-022-00307-y
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    Cited by:

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    8. César A. Bernal-Torres & Luz Elba Torres-Guevara & Juan C. Aldana-Bernal & Yoni Wildor Nicolás-Rojas & Tamara Tatiana Pando-Ezcurra, 2023. "The Moderating Role of Innovation in the Relationship Between Business Sustainability and Organizational Performance in Companies of an Emerging Economy," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.
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    10. Palash Saha & Subrata Talapatra & H. M. Belal & Victoria Jackson, 2022. "Unleashing the Potential of the TQM and Industry 4.0 to Achieve Sustainability Performance in the Context of a Developing Country," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 23(4), pages 495-513, December.
    11. Veepan Kumar & Prem Vrat & Ravi Shankar, 2022. "Factors Influencing the Implementation of Industry 4.0 for Sustainability in Manufacturing," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 23(4), pages 453-478, December.
    12. Suharti Ishak & Mohd Rizaimy Shaharudin & Nor Azura Mohamed Salim & Amir Imran Zainoddin & Zichun Deng, 2023. "The Effect of Supply Chain Adaptive Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Firm Performance in Malaysia's Semiconductor Industries," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 24(3), pages 439-458, September.
    13. Pinto, Marcelo Rezende & Salume, Paula Karina & Barbosa, Marcelo Werneck & de Sousa, Paulo Renato, 2023. "The path to digital maturity: A cluster analysis of the retail industry in an emerging economy," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
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