Zhou, J; Wang, G and Diao, Z (2026) Enabling digital transformation of traditional enterprises through industrial internet platforms: A study from an ecosystem perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(1), pp. 413-434. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – Industrial Internet Platform (IIP) integrates various new information technologies and forms an ecosystem around the platform. It promotes the optimization of resource elements and the collaboration of industrial chains, driving traditional enterprises towards comprehensive Digital Transformation (DT). This research explores the mechanisms through which the Industrial Internet Platform enables the digital development of enterprises. Design/methodology/approach – This study constructs an Industrial Internet Platform Ecosystem (IIPE) from an ecosystem perspective. Later, a systematic literature review was used to design a specific path for IIPE to enable enterprises' DT from the perspective of basic activities and organizational structure. Findings – The results indicate that in IIPE there is a hierarchical structure in the enabling mechanism of IIP. Firstly, the IIPE enhances the digital capabilities of enterprises through the foundational activities of DT. Secondly, the IIPE promotes the adjustment in enterprise structure and strategic orientation for adapting to the DT. Research limitations/implications – More and more enterprises enter the IIPE and grow together in the ecosystem. As a result, the overall level of digitalization of the industry can be enhanced and all enterprises realize the expected benefits of DT. Originality/value – Existing research recognized the role of IIP in enterprise management or production processes, but the DT of enterprises is not a single aspect. This research elaborates the mechanism of comprehensive DT of enterprises from the perspective of ecosystems and discovers specific paths for DT.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | digital transformation; ecosystem; industry internet |
| Index terms: | internet, organizational structure, platform, systematic literature review, information technology, methodology, collaboration, transformation, digitalization, production process |
| Subjects: | business, research methods, manufacturing engineering, management, digital technology, digital design, sociology, computing systems, research evaluation and metrics |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here