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Overcoming barriers to transformation in manufacturing firms. A path-dependence perspective of digital servitization

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Brekke

    (Universitiy of South-Eastern Norway)

  • Sambit Lenka

    (Jönköping International Business School)

  • Marko Kohtamäki

    (Universitiy of South-Eastern Norway
    Luleå University of Technology, Sweden
    University of Vaasa)

  • Vinit Parida

    (Universitiy of South-Eastern Norway
    Luleå University of Technology, Sweden)

  • Birgit Andrine Apenes Solem

    (Universitiy of South-Eastern Norway)

Abstract

Manufacturing firms struggle to break away from their pre-existing business models, offerings, routines, and capabilities. The present study used path dependency as a theoretical lens to investigate a single longitudinal case study of a leading manufacturing company based on in-depth interviews with senior executives and managers. The analysis contributes to extending the digital servitization and path-dependence literature by proposing four path-breaking mechanisms: (1) organizational reconfiguration, (2) reconfiguration of value offerings, (3) opportunity exploration, and (4) knowledge reconfiguration. The framework developed based on these mechanisms generated valuable insights for manufacturing firms seaking to to break away from their dominant paths.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Brekke & Sambit Lenka & Marko Kohtamäki & Vinit Parida & Birgit Andrine Apenes Solem, 2024. "Overcoming barriers to transformation in manufacturing firms. A path-dependence perspective of digital servitization," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 385-412, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:rvmgts:v:18:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s11846-023-00641-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11846-023-00641-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Chuanhui & Sheng, Zhongyuan & Hu, Xuetong & Tian, Chunxiao, 2025. "Hand in hand or left behind: The dual impact of leading firms’ digital technologies on industry digital transformation," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(PA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital transformation; Path dependence; Autonomous solutions; Digital servitization; Product–service systems (PSS); Manufacturing company; Digitalization; Organizational change;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M00 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - General - - - General

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