Configuration of the Data Value Chain: Reflections on the Digital and Analogue Dimensions

The growing demand for improving data collection, use, and exploitation has prompted organisations to explore innovative tools and methodologies for effective data management. The data value chain (DVC) is a conceptual framework that encompasses the entire data lifecycle, from its aggregation to its strategic application, thereby facilitating the value extraction processes from data resources. However, the DVC comprises a series of processes and technologies that organizations must effectively configure to convert data into valuable assets. Consequently, its implementation poses considerable challenges. Furthermore, in various contexts, the activities that constitute the DVC occur not only in digital spaces but also in physical settings. This duality introduces an additional layer of complexity as the inherent differences between physical and digital operations require distinct approaches to coordination, integration, and management. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate a specific instance of the DVC that encompasses activities occurring across both digital and physical domains. Our research focuses on the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise (PNALM), where a combination of digital and analog technologies plays a critical role in supporting environmental and wildlife conservation efforts. Within this context, all organizational units involved in wildlife monitoring engage in data collection, sharing, and utilization, drawing on both traditional and digital data sources. Through this case, we contribute to the literature by deepening the understanding of the challenges organizations encounter in configuring and managing the Data Value Chain in complex environments.