Smart supply chain innovation model selection: exploitative or exploratory innovation?

Building smart supply chains have attracted huge attentions from practitioners and academia, but not all initiatives are a success due to limited practical implications and theories guiding the selection of the appropriate innovation models. In light of this gap, according to the characteristics of smart supply chain, this study adopted a multi-case study approach with data collected through semi-structured interview and the data was analysed via mixed open coding and spindle coding. The research results indicated that both internal and external factors have critical impacts on the choice of an innovation model. Moreover, the application of smart technology and the market environment play a moderating role. Furthermore, manufacturing and distribution enterprises have different focuses when choosing the innovation models. In this research, we developed a theoretical framework consisting of the factors influencing the choice of the innovation model, which can be used to guide enterprises to realise innovation.