Continuous Innovation as Fundamental Enabler for Sustainable Business Practices

Abstract

Global competitiveness has impacted the business environment domestically and globally. In fact, it creates a challenge for organisations, particularly manufacturing firms, to seek ways of retaining skills and talent to sustain business practices. This paper highlights the key elements encompassed by continuous innovation that address the challenges associated with the turbulent business environment of manufacturing firms. The paper also suggests an appropriate approach toward sustainable business practices using a global market lens. A single case study was conducted in one of the largest steel manufacturing firms in South Africa using a qualitative study methodology. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews from 13 ICT experts: system analyst III; system analyst; system engineer; top management; and system user. Data was analysed according to qualitative content analysis. The key findings suggest that sustainable business practices depend on continuous innovation rather than advanced manufacturing technologies. Equally, advanced manufacturing technologies require innovative ways and a workforce with a high level of skill for enhancing competitiveness to sustain business through the technologies. It is noted that manufacturing firms are investing in technology rather than the human capital that is required to attain continuous innovation.