The Impact of Interaction Capability Development on Logistics Innovation

• Purpose of this paperThe purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of interaction capability development on logistics innovation. This study seeks to address the following research question: how does interaction capability development impact logistics innovation at logistics firms?Design/methodology/approachThis paper applies a qualitative research method and employs multiple case studies. Based on Johnsen and Ford’s (2006) theoretical model of interaction capabilities, six in-depth case studies comprising 28 interviews have been conducted.FindingsInteraction capabilities enable logistics firms them to proactively identify customer needs and translate the needs into new service offerings. The development of interaction capability guides logistics firms to innovate in the right direction and at the same time helps them to overcome barriers in the innovation process. All elements of the interaction capability set are necessary but the cultural interaction capability is the most critical.Research implications/limitationsThis study focuses on interaction capability development from the logistics firm perspective. Future research can take both the logistics firm and the customer perspectives into consideration.Practical implicationsExecutives at logistics firms can concentrate on the development of interaction capabilities to capture and to exploit opportunities in order to generate innovative offerings. In particular, executives need to aim for and consider the development of cultural interaction capability at each stage of the whole innovation process.What is original/value of paperThis paper contributes to the existing knowledge on logistics innovation and offers insights into interaction capabilities developed towards logistics innovation.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Logistics innovation

networks

interaction capability

third party logistics

proactive

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)