Exploring the dynamic capabilities of technology provider ecosystems: a study of smart manufacturing projects

This study examines the capabilities of technology provider ecosystems within smart manufacturing implementation projects. Whilst the study of capabilities for technology implementation is well acknowledged, the existing literature lacks a focused analysis on the dynamic capabilities required from ecosystems of technology providers engaging with adopter firms for the development of smart manufacturing solutions. More specifically, research has overlooked how such provider capabilities address the adopter's requirements and facilitate the related innovation outcomes for the adopter firm. Thus, our findings provide several contributions to the literature. Firstly, by examining two smart manufacturing projects within Pharmaceutical and Semi-conductor manufacturing contexts, we provide an in-depth analysis of the complexity of adopter requirements. Secondly, we uncover the nature of three main technology provider dynamic ecosystem capabilities. These reflect comprehensive skills in technology search and learning, project implementation, and knowledge transfer capabilities supporting the development of solutions for decision-making and predictive maintenance. Thirdly, we reveal how provider ecosystems build on these capabilities to address the complex requirements of the adopter firm and facilitate different types of process innovation outcomes. Respectively linked to performance, sustainability and evolving process sustainability.