Creating and Sharing Interorganizational Knowledge Through a Supply Chain 4.0 Project

Abstract

Digitalization in the supply chain involves important transformations in the relationships between supply chain partners. Studies investigating these transformations underline the need to create and share new knowledge processes in order to achieve successful digital projects that improve integration and collaboration in the supply chain. This article proposes to make a parallel between the stages of the SECI model concerning knowledge conversion and the different phases of a Supply Chain 4.0 project. By using a longitudinal case study, the authors fill the gap on the dynamics of knowledge transformation in supply chain digital projects. Based on a supplier portal project, the case study presented helps to understand how to ensure that the different partners will get fully involved in the digital project. It provides five managerial recommendations for companies that wish to commit to supplier development and knowledge sharing through digital projects.