Pathways to Developing Digital Capabilities within Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Pre-Digital Organizations : A Single Case Study

Title data

Keller, Robert ; Ollig, Philipp ; Rövekamp, Patrick:
Pathways to Developing Digital Capabilities within Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Pre-Digital Organizations : A Single Case Study.
In: Business & Information Systems Engineering. Vol. 64 (2022) Issue 1 . - pp. 33-46.
ISSN 1867-0202
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12599-021-00739-3

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Abstract in another language

To enable new digital business models, pre-digital organizations launch
entrepreneurial initiatives. However, in developing the required digital capabilities,
pre-digital organizations often face challenges as they are marked by the ways they
have historically grown their organizational identity. Research on how pre-digital
organizations can develop digital capabilities remains scarce. We draw on a single case
study to illustrate potential pathways for the development of digital capabilities. We
identify two key characteristics: the source of digital capability development and the
set-up of the actors involved. We synthesize four possible pathway manifestations,
discuss the dynamic nature of pathway combinations, and suggest that managing a
portfolio of pathways may be crucial for pre-digital organizations. Therefore, our
study contributes to a better understanding of digital transformation in pre-digital
organizations. Furthermore, we provide guidance for practitioners to reflect on when
deciding which pathways to follow.