Beurteilung von Investitionen in die digitalisierte Produktion

Since 2011 the term “Industrie 4.0” represents the process of digital transformation for industrial production. The discussion in regard to this transformation is dominated by technological aspects but neglects the economical rational for investments in many cases. However, the necessary investments in digitalised technical equipment creates new challenges in solid judgement on ROI and priorities. The complexity related to digital transformation confronts companies with new aspects of uncertainty. Therefore, a paradox situation is observed by a “digital gap” between investment in technology and where the added value is captured and monetised.
This thesis investigates how complexity of digitalisation, respectively the “digital gap” can be understood and bridged by the usage of value-constructs originated from recent business model research. The moderating role of constructs like value proposition, value network and value capture towards decision for investments is investigated in relation with digitalisation initiatives, technology and measurement of industrial productivity. Based on differences between industries in their digital maturity level the survey primarily focuses on Food, Beverage, Pharma, Life science and FMCG companies. A second survey sample covers other industries, mainly machine builders and automotive companies, to see differences or possible generalisable elements in the results.
The research method is based on a mixed-method design, combining qualitative research results with quantitative analyses by triangulation. An intensive literature research of four related scientific disciplines delivers theory for the paradigmatic coding and formulation of a Grounded Theory. The results of Grounded Theory deliver the theoretical rational to build a structural model to use within statistical factor analysis methods.
The thesis delivers a wide range of results and insights into the complex relations of transformation within the context of digitalised production. It shows innovative research design in using value-constructs for the moderation of value within an organisation. Finally, the mixed-method design complements the results by the combination of diverse disciplines of science. Results to explain how moderation of value does bridge the “digital gap”, how data is enabling monetisation of value generated and how standardisation shows relevance in successful investments are delivered within the thesis.