Purpose

This study aims to explore the resource development process implemented by a small consulting firm, active in a traditional industrial context, pursuing the innovation path to develop solutions within the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study undertakes a single qualitative case study of Sinergia, an Italian innovative small consulting firm. The case study is analyzed through critical events and adopting the 4 R model, developed within the industrial marketing and purchasing (IMP) approach.

Findings

The analysis highlights a transition from knowledge broker to solution provider, based on a process of networking, with a relevant strategizing effort, and of assembling internal, external and shared resources. Three patterns in the evolution of the company’s innovation path emerge: resource-oriented networking, hybrid resource development and resource assembly.

Originality/value

The empirical study provides novel empirical evidence over localized innovation processes in I4.0 by exploring the innovation path pursued by a small consulting firm in connection with the local business. The study represents a theoretical development in terms of the 4 R model as it suggests the need to further conceptualize the category of technical resources – including products and facilities – in the increasingly complex I4.0 domain and provides insights on the changing role of actors in networks underpinned by emerging resource structures.

中文翻译：

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工业4.0背景下从知识经纪人到解决方案提供者：小型咨询公司的创新之路

目的

本研究旨在探索一家小型咨询公司实施的资源开发过程，该公司活跃在传统工业环境中，追求在工业 4.0 (I4.0) 领域内开发解决方案的创新路径。

设计/方法/方法

本研究对意大利创新型小型咨询公司 Sinergia 进行了单一的定性案例研究。该案例研究通过关键事件进行分析，并采用在工业营销和采购 (IMP) 方法中开发的 4 R 模型。

发现

该分析强调了从知识经纪人到解决方案提供者的转变，这是基于网络过程、相关的战略制定工作以及整合内部、外部和共享资源的过程。公司创新路径演进中出现了三种模式：以资源为导向的网络化、混合资源开发和资源组装。

原创性/价值

实证研究通过探索一家小型咨询公司与本地业务相关的创新路径，为 I4.0 中的本地化创新过程提供了新的经验证据。该研究代表了 4 R 模型方面的理论发展，因为它表明需要在日益复杂的 I4.0 领域中进一步概念化技术资源的类别（包括产品和设施），并提供有关参与者角色变化的见解。以新兴资源结构为基础的网络。