A theoretical framework of smart supply chain innovation for going global companies: a multi-case study from China

Purpose: This study explores the influencing factors of smart supply chain innovation (SSCI) for going global companies and designs a theoretical framework. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is a multi-case study that includes a combination of exploratory and explanatory case studies. Findings: First, the authors find that SSCI is embodied in product development and supply chain empowerment, which represent exploitative innovation and explorative innovation, respectively. Meanwhile, supply chain empowerment has a positive impact on product development. Second, the going global policy affects the transformation of supply chain empowerment to SSCI practices. Third, in terms of exploitative innovation, personalized demand positively affects SSCI through product development. Finally, explorative innovation, including emerging technology application and supply chain ecologicalization, has a positive effect on supply chain empowerment and thereby affects SSCI. Originality/value: Supply chain innovation in the context of a smart economy has gained great popularity. This study sheds light on the influencing factors and mechanisms of SSCI from the exploitative and explorative aspects of innovations.