Title: Innovation framework for control system integrators: a pathway to seize new services opportunities in the context of Industry 4.0

Authors: Marcos T.J. Barbosa; Mario Sergio Salerno; Sérgio Luiz Pereira

Addresses: Department of Energy and Electrical Automation, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, 158, 05508-090 São Paulo – SP, Brazil; SPI Integração de Sistemas Ltda, Alameda Terracota, 185, 09531-190 São Caetano do Sul – SP – Brazil ' Production Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil ' Department of Energy and Electrical Automation, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Industry 4.0 presents a significant opportunity for control system integrators (CSIs) service innovation as there will be a wide range of new services to be implemented in the automation of industries, where CSI are considered key players. This paper investigated how service innovation happens, what are the drivers and dynamic capabilities for CSI to innovate, proposing an innovation framework grounded in research and in real business practices. The methodology used was a multiple case study approach based on interviews with three of the most experienced CSI companies in Brazil. Our main findings indicate that CSI innovation is boosted by specific innovation drivers that were differential for these companies because they have developed a set of dynamic capabilities throughout their individual histories. By using our proposed framework, CSI may have a reliable tool to guide their service innovation management.

Keywords: innovation framework; control system integrators; CSIs; innovation drivers; dynamic capabilities; Industry 4.0.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2019.106634

International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development, 2019 Vol.11 No.4, pp.337 - 359

Received: 24 Nov 2019
Accepted: 28 Nov 2019
Published online: 15 Apr 2020 *

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