The digital transformation of search and recombination in the innovation function: tensions and an integrative framework*
File(s)LPT_JPIM_12546_FINAL.pdf (611.59 KB)
Published version
Author(s)
Lanzolla, G
Pesce, D
Tucci, CL
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Search and recombination are important mechanisms in the creativity phase of innovation. Digital transformation and the resulting pervasive digitalization of the innovation function have often been associated with increasing possibilities for search and recombination. In this paper, by systematically integrating the search and recombination literature with the literature on digitalization, we demonstrate that digitalization may engender new idiosyncratic tensions in the organizational antecedents of search and recombination and, by implication, in their likely outcomes. We propose that, depending on the interactions among the idiosyncratic tensions identified herein, knowledge recombination might spur very different outcomes, including knowledge layering, knowledge integration, knowledge grafting, or even no recombination at all (which we label “search for the sake of search”). These outcomes may not always be the initially planned desired outcomes. Finally, we provide implications of our integrative framework pertaining to product development and to organizing for innovation.
Date Issued
2021-01
Date Acceptance
2020-07-08
ISSN
0737-6782
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
30
End Page
113
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Product Innovation Management
Volume
38
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Product Innovation Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Product Development & Management Association
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Identifier
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jpim.12546
Subjects
Social Sciences
Science & Technology
Technology
Business
Engineering, Industrial
Management
Business & Economics
Engineering
INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY
SERVICE INNOVATION
PRODUCT INNOVATION
LOCAL SEARCH
KNOWLEDGE RECOMBINATION
KNOW-HOW
MODEL
EMOTION
CONNECTIVITY
CAPABILITIES
09 Engineering
12 Built Environment and Design
15 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
Business & Management
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
jpim.12546
Date Publish Online
2020-07-29