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Systems
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Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models
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Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Practice in Social Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 6899

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nelson Duarte

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. INESC TEC—Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
2. ESTG-P.PORTO, Department of Business Sciences, Rua do Curral, 4610-156 Margaride, Portugal
3. School of Management and Technology of Porto Polytechnic, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: business models; strategy; entrepreneurship and innovation; project management; sustainability; digitalization
Dr. Rebecca Dong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Business School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Interests: firms’ internationalization, sustainability, and digitalization; application of AI and its embedded institutional environment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Innovation and digitalization are not merely buzzwords; both are a necessity for companies that aspire to thrive in today's dynamic market. Innovation management’s primary objective is to cultivate a culture where new ideas are consistently generated, developed, and effectively implemented to create value.

The advent of Industry 4.0 and the lockdowns during the pandemic period compelled companies to innovate technologically, particularly in terms of digitalization. The integration of digital technologies into all business areas has fundamentally transformed operations and value delivery to customers, driving the digitalization of business models across numerous aspects.

This transformation involves a broad spectrum of technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain. Each of these technologies contributes significantly to reshaping the business landscape. The digital revolution has given rise to new business models that emphasize agility, scalability, circularity, and customer centricity. This shift has introduced new paradigms for innovation management. Organizations are increasingly adopting agile methodologies to accelerate the innovation cycle and respond more effectively to market demands. Companies that successfully integrate and manage digital innovation into their business models are better positioned to gain a competitive edge, adapt to disruptive changes, and create sustainable value in today's fast-paced market.

This Special Issue aims to provide valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers, fostering a comprehensive discussion on the future of innovation management and the digitalization of business models.

Dr. Nelson Duarte
Dr. Rebecca Dong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • business models
  • innovation
  • digital technologies
  • entrepreneurial innovation
  • strategic innovation
  • digital transformation
  • circular business models

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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18 pages, 3300 KiB  
Article
Technological Catch-Up Performance: The Interplay Between Collaboration Networks and Knowledge Networks
by Xiaoji Wan, Jiangmei Li, Jing Lai and Liping Zhang
Systems 2025, 13(5), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050363 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 250
Abstract
In the digital era, technological catch-up is inevitable for firms confronted with intensified competition, rapid technological advancements, and customers’ upgrade requirements. By strengthening their cooperation with external parties and integrating internal knowledge, firms can better absorb internal and external resources, accelerating their technological [...] Read more.
In the digital era, technological catch-up is inevitable for firms confronted with intensified competition, rapid technological advancements, and customers’ upgrade requirements. By strengthening their cooperation with external parties and integrating internal knowledge, firms can better absorb internal and external resources, accelerating their technological catch-up performance (TCP). This study mainly explores the influence of collaboration and knowledge networks on the TCP of firms based on machine learning algorithms. First, patent data from the Chinese AI industry from 2013 to 2022 were used to construct collaboration and knowledge networks. Then, the hierarchical clustering algorithm was applied to categorize firms based on six network characteristics. Finally, the classification and regression trees (CART) algorithm was employed to analyze the nonlinear relationship between dual networks and firm TCP. The findings show that firms exhibit distinct network configurations and that the drivers of TCP vary across firm groups. For firms lagging behind, prioritizing knowledge network integration proves more effective than expanding collaborations. Leading firms perform best when maintaining balanced collaboration strategies. This study contributes to both theory and practice by identifying the optimal mix of network characteristics and providing empirically grounded strategies for different firm types. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models)
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18 pages, 2032 KiB  
Article
Research on the Impact of Digital Innovation Ecosystem Niche Suitability for High-Quality Economic Development
by Yabing Ma, Yongheng Fang and Jiamin Liu
Systems 2025, 13(5), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050352 - 4 May 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
This paper selects the relevant data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2010 to 2022 as samples. By constructing a digital innovation ecosystem (DIES) niche suitability model, the overall and regional differences in China’s DIES niche suitability were analyzed. On this [...] Read more.
This paper selects the relevant data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2010 to 2022 as samples. By constructing a digital innovation ecosystem (DIES) niche suitability model, the overall and regional differences in China’s DIES niche suitability were analyzed. On this basis, static and dynamic panel data models were established to empirically analyze the influence of DIES niche suitability on high-quality economic development. The results showed that (1) the overall level of niche suitability for China’s digital innovation ecosystem is relatively stable, with unbalanced development among regions, but plentiful space for development. (2) The DIES niche suitability plays a significant role in promoting high-quality economic development. Regions with a high degree of DIES niche suitability have more active innovation activities and a higher original accumulation of innovation. (3) The positive effect of DIES niche suitability for high-quality economic development is sustainable. The improvement in regional economic development quality needs to gradually emerge with the continuous improvement in and optimization of the DIES. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models)
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22 pages, 682 KiB  
Article
How Digital Orientation Affects Innovation Performance? Exploring the Role of Digital Capabilities and Environmental Dynamism
by Xian Zhang, Zongjun Wang, Wenyi Luo, Feifei Guo and Peng Wang
Systems 2025, 13(5), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050346 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Digital orientation has attracted significant attention from policymakers and researchers due to its potential to drive innovation success. While prior research has largely examined the impact of digital orientation on specific types of innovation from a static lens, a holistic and dynamic perspective [...] Read more.
Digital orientation has attracted significant attention from policymakers and researchers due to its potential to drive innovation success. While prior research has largely examined the impact of digital orientation on specific types of innovation from a static lens, a holistic and dynamic perspective on its relationship with firms’ overall innovation performance remains limited. Drawing on dynamic capabilities theory, this study aims to bridge this gap by developing a moderated mediation model that incorporates the mediating role of digital capabilities and the moderating effect of environmental dynamism in the relationship between digital orientation and firms’ overall innovation performance. Using survey data from 368 Chinese firms, this study employs hierarchical regression analysis and the bootstrap method to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that digital orientation promotes digital capabilities (encompassing digital sensing, digital integrative, and digital transforming capabilities), which in turn facilitates firms’ overall innovation performance. Also, the effect of digital capabilities on innovation performance is moderated by environmental dynamism. This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a holistic and dynamic lens to elucidate the link between digital orientation and innovation performance, while also providing managerial insights for firms seeking to adopt digital orientation to boost innovation success in the evolving digital environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models)
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18 pages, 576 KiB  
Article
Driving Green Transformation in Equipment Manufacturing Enterprises: The Role of Digital Technologies
by Weiyang Xu, Jianzhong Xu and Wei Zhang
Systems 2025, 13(5), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050332 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 297
Abstract
As digital technologies are increasingly applied in the equipment manufacturing industry, they play an increasingly important role in the green transformation of business development models. Digital technologies have gradually become a key driving force behind the green transformation and development of equipment manufacturing [...] Read more.
As digital technologies are increasingly applied in the equipment manufacturing industry, they play an increasingly important role in the green transformation of business development models. Digital technologies have gradually become a key driving force behind the green transformation and development of equipment manufacturing enterprises. Using empirical data from 2013 to 2022 on publicly listed equipment manufacturing companies in China’s A-share market, this study explores the mechanisms through which digital technologies influence the green transformation of these enterprises. The empirical results show that the application of digital technologies in equipment manufacturing enterprises effectively promotes their green transformation. Mechanism tests reveal that digital technologies contribute to green transformation through channels such as fostering green innovation and optimizing the market environment. The findings provide empirical support for the green transformation of equipment manufacturing enterprises. These companies should further enhance their application of digital technologies, while the government should actively introduce relevant supportive policies to create a favorable market environment, strengthen digital infrastructure, and provide extensive support for the application of digital technologies, thereby promoting the coordinated advancement of digital and green transformations in enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models)
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24 pages, 559 KiB  
Article
Understanding User Acceptance of AI-Driven Chatbots in China’s E-Commerce: The Roles of Perceived Authenticity, Usefulness, and Risk
by Rob Kim Marjerison, Hang Dong, Jong-Min Kim, Hanyi Zheng, Youran Zhang and George Kuan
Systems 2025, 13(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13020071 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3753
Abstract
This study examines users’ perceptions of Chatbots in China, with a particular focus on the factors influencing their acceptance and usage. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we analyze data from 542 online responses to explore the roles of Perceived Authenticity, usefulness, [...] Read more.
This study examines users’ perceptions of Chatbots in China, with a particular focus on the factors influencing their acceptance and usage. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we analyze data from 542 online responses to explore the roles of Perceived Authenticity, usefulness, and risk in shaping user behavior toward AI-driven Chatbots. Using linear regression and mediation analyses, our findings indicate that both Perceived Authenticity and Perceived Usefulness positively impact users’ behavioral intentions, while Perceived Risk has a negative influence. Notably, Perceived Usefulness serves as a mediator between behavioral intentions and both Perceived Authenticity and Perceived Risk. These results contribute to the growing body of research on AI and e-commerce by providing empirical evidence of the key factors affecting Chatbot adoption. The study offers valuable implications for developers and marketers, suggesting that enhancing Perceived Authenticity and usefulness while addressing Perceived Risks can improve user acceptance. These insights are particularly pertinent for AI practitioners aiming to refine Chatbot technology and expand its application across various sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models)
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25 pages, 2103 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Impact of Watershed Compensation Policies on Green Technology Innovation Ecosystems
by Mo Li, Jianhua Zhu and Hua Dong
Systems 2025, 13(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13010044 - 10 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 648
Abstract
This study uses the implementation of the watershed compensation policy as a quasi-natural experiment and selects a sample of 53 cities located within the four major watersheds from 2005 to 2022. By employing a staggered difference-in-differences model and a synthetic control difference-in-differences model, [...] Read more.
This study uses the implementation of the watershed compensation policy as a quasi-natural experiment and selects a sample of 53 cities located within the four major watersheds from 2005 to 2022. By employing a staggered difference-in-differences model and a synthetic control difference-in-differences model, the study investigates how watershed compensation policies influence green technology innovation ecosystems and delves into the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for these impacts. The research reveals the following findings: (1) The introduction of the watershed compensation policy markedly boosts the development of green technology innovation ecosystems in the pilot cities, and this finding remains consistent following a series of robustness checks. (2) An analysis of the mechanisms indicates that the watershed compensation policy exerts its impact on the advancement of green technology innovation ecosystems through a reduction in carbon emission intensity and the enhancement of wastewater treatment efficiency. (3) The influence of the watershed compensation policy on green technology innovation ecosystems varies according to the level of public financial expenditure and labor productivity. This research offers a factual foundation for comprehending the effects of watershed compensation policies on the innovation of green technologies within China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models)
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Other

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30 pages, 1523 KiB  
Systematic Review
Digital Business Model Innovation in Complex Environments: A Knowledge System Perspective
by Luyao Wang, Zhiqi Jiang and Guannan Qu
Systems 2025, 13(5), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050379 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Digital technologies are reshaping how firms create, deliver, and capture value, prompting growing interest in digital business model innovation (DBMI). Despite increasing scholarly attention, the existing research remains fragmented and often assumes stable environments, limiting its applicability in today’s complex and dynamic contexts. [...] Read more.
Digital technologies are reshaping how firms create, deliver, and capture value, prompting growing interest in digital business model innovation (DBMI). Despite increasing scholarly attention, the existing research remains fragmented and often assumes stable environments, limiting its applicability in today’s complex and dynamic contexts. To address this gap, this study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to gather and critically synthesize the fragmented and evolving body of knowledge on DBMI. The review identifies key research perspectives, highlights their underlying assumptions, and reveals the limitations in addressing environmental and knowledge complexity. In response, the paper introduces the knowledge system perspective (KSP) as a novel lens that views DBMI as a knowledge-driven, adaptive process. This perspective advances the DBMI literature by integrating knowledge dynamics and contextual complexity, offering a more robust understanding of how firms navigate digital transformation. The study concludes by outlining future research opportunities and providing practical implications for managing DBMI in turbulent environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Digitalization of Business Models)
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