Chen, H; Jin, Z; Su, Q and Yue, G (2021) The roles of captains in megaproject innovation ecosystems: The case of the Hong Kong‐zhuhai‐macau bridge. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(3), pp. 662-680. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The megaproject is a vital innovation ecosystem for participants engaging in technological adoption and integration to achieve project goals. The purpose of this paper is to examine how ecosystem captains build and operate a megaproject innovation ecosystem (MIE). To be more specific, we conducted an in-depth case study to identify the roles played by ecosystem captains in establishing and managing a megaproject innovation ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge project, the data we collected range from 2010 to 2019 and include semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, and archival documents. We employed an inductive theory building approach to address our research question and analyzed our data using the coding process and Atlas.ti software. Findings: We find that the ecosystem captains themselves are client organizations that have evolved with the ecosystem during four distinct yet inter-related phases. In addition, we find that the captains' roles of the client organizations include two typical activities: ecosystem establishment and ecosystem collaboration. The ecosystem captains first frame problems, plan innovative activities, set rules, and select participants for the establishment of the ecosystem, and then orchestrate resources, buffer conflicts, incorporate innovative networks, and cultivate an innovation culture to create a collaborative ecosystem. Originality/value: This study proposes a theoretical framework showing how ecosystem captains engage in MIE to manage innovative activities during different stages. It highlights the importance of captainship roles in client organizations in a megaproject.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ecosystem captain; Hong Kong-zhuhai-macau bridge; inductive theory building; megaproject innovation ecosystem |
| Index terms: | documents, methodology, integration, collaboration, megaproject, interview, client organization, theory building, Macau, buffer, bridge project, case study, Hong Kong |
| Subjects: | client relations, data collection methods, strategic project management, data science, professional development, financial risk, Geography, research methods, management, infrastructure and transport systems, organizational analysis |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Cost Management, Stakeholder Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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