The Role of Digital Innovation in Collaboration Business Systems in the COVID-19 Pandemic Process: A Case Study

Abstract

Purpose – In collaboration with business systems and many other fields, digital technologies are used in companies' decision-making processes, product designs, and many areas of production of goods and services. Firms need collaborative business systems to focus on their capabilities and outsource to other businesses. This study examines managers' opinions on enterprises' collaborative business strategies and digital innovation capabilities during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach – The research was carried out in nine companies operating in the manufacturing sector in the Marmara Region. The ISO 44001 classification is based on the determination of the companies' collaborative business systems. Innovation capacity components were used to determine the innovation capability of the firms. The research method was designed according to the qualitative research method (case study). The research was conducted with the data collected through a semi-structured interview form with company managers. Descriptive analysis technique was used in the analysis of the data. Findings – The analysis findings show that digital innovation effectively strengthens the business capabilities of businesses, and cooperation strategies reduce company costs and provide a competitive advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion – The necessity of structuring business processes with a focus on digital technology during the pandemic period has caused the organizational structures of enterprises to be flexible. This flexibility has brought along a new management and organizational structure, as well as a new leadership approach such as technology leadership. As a result, innovative information systems that meet the need for cooperation, operational capabilities of enterprises and competent human resources come to the fore in the success of cooperation processes.