Balancing Manufacturing Technology Innovation Between Process, Unit and Operating Model – A Sociotechnical View

Mads Kjærgaard Nielsen () and Torben Tambo ()
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Mads Kjærgaard Nielsen: Aarhus University, Department of Business Development and Technology
Torben Tambo: Aarhus University, Department of Business Development and Technology

A chapter in Technology Management for Intelligent, Open and Responsible Organizations and Ecosystems, 2026, pp 258-266 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This paper examines the balance between process, unit, and model-level innovation in manufacturing technology adoption. A key challenge for manufacturing firms is maintaining equilibrium between technological advancements, workforce adaptation, and strategic organizational alignment. Using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and Sociotechnical Systems (STS) theory, this study explores the interplay between automation, employee integration, and market pressures in manufacturing innovation. Through multiple case studies, the paper highlights different approaches to innovation proactive, reactive, and remedial demonstrating how firms navigate the challenges of implementing manufacturing technologies. Findings indicate that firms integrating technology-driven innovation with workforce readiness and organizational strategy achieve greater efficiency and adaptability. The proposed TOE-STS perspective offers a contribution to innovation management by emphasizing a holistic, sociotechnical perspective for technological manufacturing advancements.

Keywords: line manufacturing; manufacturing innovation; production technology; operating model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-23124-6_32

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-23124-6_32

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