How manufacturing firms navigate through stormy waters of digitalization: the role of dynamic capabilities, organizational factors and environmental turbulence for business model innovation

Abstract Although research has shown that business model innovation (BMI) is an effective means to remain competitive in the digital age, many firms do not respond appropriately and often fail to exploit new digital opportunities. In this study, we adopt a microfoundational approach to understand the role and effects of dynamic capabilities (DCs) on BMI in the context of digitalization. Furthermore, we test how this relationship is influenced by contextual factors. Our results from a survey of German manufacturing firms demonstrate the importance of building strong DCs for effective BMI in the context of digitalization. We also highlight the advantages of an entrepreneurial leadership and mindset in this context. The study further suggests that environmental turbulence in the digital context acts as an antecedent to DCs and BMI, rather than moderating their relationship. While strategic factors indirectly affect BMI as antecedents of DCs, we found no evidence of an influence of the organizational structure.