On the synergies between business process management and digital innovation

Abstract

Digital innovation brings about change, both economically and socially. In response, businesses are changing their way of working because of increasing opportunities and the speed of new IT. While previous research statistically identified a positive link between Business Process Management (BPM) and digital innovation (DI), this article focuses on extending the role of BPM to DI. Based on 19 expert interviews, we observed how organizations apply the BPM success factors to realize DI, and which problems are experienced. Common obstacles were revealed, e.g. employee resistance, little top management support, and alignment issues (environmental, strategic and business-IT alignment). The results are presented in a framework that academics and practitioners can apply to create more synergies between BPM and DI. Our findings shed new light on the way BPM can be implemented in a digital economy, and how DI can be positioned in a more stable position by means of BPM.